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Code Red Frequently Asked Questions
Code Red Weather Frequently Asked Questions
Prepare for Emergencies Now: Information to Get Ready
Virginia’s Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, May 25-31
Free Mobile App Helps You Prepare for Emergencies
Virginians now can be “mobile ready” for disasters with a new app from Ready Virginia. The app gives those who use smart phones and tablets a convenient way to prepare for disasters and to stay informed during emergencies with the latest information.
The Ready Virginia app is available for download on the App StoreSM and on Google Play™. In addition to the app, VDEM launched a mobile version of its website at m.vaemergency.gov. The mobile site contains all the information available on VDEM’s regular website with an easier navigation for smart phones and tablets.
FEMA Ready PSA Catches Al Roker in Sudden Storm
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently released a new Public Service Announcement for the national Ready campaign, featuring Al Roker of NBC’s “The Today Show” in a segment called “Be Ready for Any Weather”. The video creatively promotes preparedness for disasters which may seem to arrive at a moment’s notice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZMr1XtP6BY
Now is the time for you and your family to take important steps that won’t cost much and could save a lot of heartache: resolve to be ready for any emergency.
Whether severe winter storms, tornadoes, spring flooding, earthquakes, hurricanes or something else, you can be prepared ahead of time.
To get started, make an emergency plan. Get a free worksheet at here. Decide with your family:
- Who is our emergency point of contact? Choose an out-of-town friend or relative to be your contact. During emergencies, it’s often easier to make long distance rather than local calls. So choose an out-of-town person to call who can help communicate among your family members if you are separated from each other because of the emergency. Make sure every family member knows your emergency contact’s phone number.
- Where are our meeting places? In case you can’t return to your home, choose a place to meet in your neighborhood and another place outside your neighborhood if you can’t get back in there. Your neighborhood meeting place may be a friend’s house on the next street. A meeting place outside your neighborhood may be a nearby church, store or another friend’s home.
- Do our schools have emergency plans? If you are a parent, ask your schools and daycare providers about their emergency plans. Find out how they will communicate with families during a crisis. Ask if they are prepared to stay in school if necessary and where they plan to go if they must leave.
- Do you own a small business? If so, find helpful information and steps on how to protect your business against disasters at www.Ready.gov.
Emergencies will happen, but taking action now helps minimize the impact they will have on our lives.
How to communicate before and after a disaster
Remember Your Pets during Hurricane/Flood Season
It’s hurricane and flood season. That means it’s time to talk with your family about what you would do and where you would go if a bad storm comes. Maybe you’ve stocked up on bottled water and extra packaged food, just in case. And your battery-powered/hand-crank radio is standing by so you can get local emergency information if The power goes out.
But what about your pet? Animals can’t take care of themselves. During major disasters, animals often become separated from their owners. You can avoid that heartbreak.
- Prepare a pet disaster supply kit. Include food, water and bowls; a sturdy leash and collar with identification tags; a few days’ worth of medication; current photos of you with your pet; blankets or towels for bedding and warmth; cat litter/pan; your vet’s name and phone number; treats. Store items in a study container that can be carried easily.
- Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and up-to-date identification tags. Consider permanent identification for your pet such as a microchip, brand or tattoo.
- Purchase a pet carrier and label it with emergency contact information.
- Don’t leave your pet behind. Make a plan for your pet. If you have to evacuate, where will you go that accepts pets? Ask friends or relatives outside your area whether they could shelter your and your pet in an emergency. Find a hotel or motel outside your area that accepts pets.
For more about making an emergency plan for your pet, go to www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/getakit/pets .
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Prepared by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, June 2012
(804) 897-6510 pio@vdem.virginia.gov www.ReadyVirginia.gov
Be Prepared for Severe Weather
Follow these steps to stay safe before, during and after severe weather:
•· Follow the instructions of local and state officials.
•· Listen to local radio and TV stations for updated emergency information.
•· Get the latest weather information from the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov.
•· Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio or battery-powered/hand crank radio with a NOAA Weather Band.
•· Make sure you have a safe place to go in case severe weather approaches, such as the lower level of a sturdy building, a basement
or a crawl space.
•· Do not drive or walk through floodwater. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Turn around and find another route if a
road is flooded – it is almost always more dangerous than it appears.
•· Have a family emergency plan. Everyone should know what to do in case family members are not together when severe weather
happens. Get a plan sheet at www.ReadyVirginia.gov.
•· Evacuate immediately if advised to do so.
•· Keep emergency supplies on hand, including three days’ non-perishable food and water, flashlights and batteries, first aid kit, medicines.
For more on getting ready for a tornado, severe storm, flooding or a hurricane, go to www.ReadyVirginia.gov or www.ListoVirginia.gov.
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Prepared by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, May 2011
(804) 897-6510 pio@vdem.virginia.gov
From the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Website:
Thunderstorm Basics
The National Weather Service issues watches and warning for severe thunderstorms. A severe thunderstorm watch means that conditions are favorable for the formation of a severe thunderstorm. A severe thunderstorm warning means that a severe thunderstorm has been sighted or has been indicated on NWS Doppler radar.
All areas in Virginia are equally vulnerable to the impacts of thunderstorms. While severe thunderstorms are not as common in Virginia as they are in the Midwest, Plains and deep South, large hail and damaging downburst winds can damage businesses. Severe thunderstorms are most common between the months of April and August, although they have affected the Commonwealth in every month of the year.
Helpful Links:
Doppler Radar -WUSA9
