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COMSTOCK FOR DELEGATE BLOG

HURRICANE IRENE – BE PREPARED!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011

The following information is provided from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management:  
Potential Impact to Virginia
 
·       National Weather Service says Virginia could have damaging winds and flooding in low-lying areas beginning Saturday through Sunday.
·       Irene is a large, wide storm.  People should pay attention to the extent of the storm, not the location of the eye.  
·       Sustained tropical storm force winds (minimum 39 mph) and possibly hurricane-force winds along the coast are forecast around midday Saturday, Aug. 27.  Winds could last for 24 hours and extend as far west as Brunswick County and as far north as Northumberland County.
·       Current forecast shows Irene off the North Carolina/Virginia coast around 2 a.m. Sunday.
Evacuation Information
·       There are no evacuation orders in effect for any part of Virginia.
·       At this time, there are no plans for a regional evacuation.  Strong winds are not a reason to evacuate residents, but storm surge is.  Storm surge is the amount of water that the wind could blow on shore and inland.  
·       Localized evacuations could be ordered for low-lying areas.  Residents should listen to their local media and local officials for instructions.
·       If you live in a low-lying area, be prepared to leave and go to higher ground.  Be ready to take your emergency supplies with you.
Shelter Information
·       Local governments will open shelters if they are needed and in areas that are safe for residents.
·       If shelters are opened, local governments will announce their locations.  People should listen to their local media for that information.
What should residents be doing now?
·       Stay tuned to local TV and radio stations for the most current information for their areas.
·       Plan to be self-sustaining for at least three days – have food that doesn’t need refrigeration and one gallon of water per person per day.  Have a battery-powered and/or hand-crank radio and extra batteries ready in case power goes out so you can hear weather information and instructions from officials.
·        Review your family emergency plan. If you don’t have a plan, get a worksheet at www.ReadyVirginia.gov <http://www.ReadyVirginia.gov> .  Click on Make a Plan.









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