Governor McAuliffe urges Virginians to get ready for winter weather

November 30 - December 6 is Winter Preparedness Week in Virginia

RICHMOND – Winters in Virginia often are cold, snowy and icy and bring extended power outages.  To highlight the importance of Virginia families and businesses being winter-ready, the National Weather Service and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management have set asideNovember 30 - December 6 as Winter Preparedness Week. 

“We’ve had several record breaking winter storms in the past few years and they serve as good reminders that it’s smart to be prepared,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “Everyone should take steps now to be sure families, homes and businesses are ready for whatever winter may bring us this season.”

Although the current National Weather Service winter outlook indicates Virginia could have a less severe winter than last season, people still need to be sure their emergency plans and supplies are in place.

Please click here to see the proclamation Governor McAuliffe issued.

“A significant winter storm is possible any winter in Virginia, even during those winters with overall temperatures near or above normal,” said Bill Sammler, NWS warning coordination meteorologist.  “If the El Nino weather pattern happens as expected, then Virginia residents should anticipate storminess and a wetter than normal winter overall.  El Nino winters are generally not snowier, but they can be, if atmospheric conditions are right.  A recent example of that is the 2009-10 winter.”   

An important part of winter weather planning is being prepared to stay where you are until conditions improve.  During Winter Preparedness Week, Virginians should take these steps: 

• Get a kit.  Basic emergency supplies include: 

ü  Three days’ food that doesn’t need refrigeration or electricity to prepare it

ü  Three days’ water (a gallon per person per day)

ü  A battery-powered and/or hand-crank radio with extra batteries

ü  Add a first aid kit, supply of prescription medications, blankets and warm clothing, supplies for special members of your household and pet items.

ü  For businesses and offices, some bottles of water and food bars and a radio to hear local information about whether or not it is safe to travel.  Officials may advise staying in place until it is safe to travel.

ü  A power pack for recharging cell phones and other mobile devices

• Make a plan.  Everyone needs an emergency plan:

ü  Decide who your out-of-town emergency contact will be.

ü  Where will you meet up with family members if you can’t return home?

ü  Get an emergency plan worksheet at www.ReadyVirginia.gov or on the new Ready Virginia app.

• Stay informed.  Before, during and after a winter storm, you should:

ü  Listen to local media for information and instructions from emergency officials.

ü  Be aware of winter storm watches and warnings and road conditions.

ü  Get where you need to go before the weather gets bad.

ü  Get road condition information 24/7 by calling 511 or checkingwww.511Virginia.org

• Download the Ready Virginia app. This helpful emergency planning tool for iPhone® and Android™ mobile devices features:

ü    Location-specific weather watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service

ü    Disaster news from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management

ü    A customizable family emergency plan that can be easily shared

ü    A checklist for gathering emergency supplies

ü    Contact information for local emergency managers

ü    Links to register for local emergency alerts, and more

“One heavy snowstorm with power outages is enough to disrupt schedules and cause people to wish they had prepared better,” said Governor McAuliffe. “It’s much safer to take a little time now and get ready before a winter storm arrives.”

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY TIPS

• Keep space heaters at least three feet from other objects. Never leave space heaters unattended. Install a smoke detector in every bedroom and on each level of your home. Check the batteries monthly, and replace them once a year at the same time every year.
• In case of power outages, use flashlights instead of candles for light.
• Use generators only outdoors and only in well ventilated areas.
• Make sure outdoor pets have adequate shelter, unfrozen water and food.
• If your household includes someone with special needs (has a disability, requires electricity to operate home medical equipment, needs to go to dialysis, etc.) call your local emergency manager to let them know where you live and what you will need during an emergency.
• Driving is most dangerous when the temperature is at or under 32° F. If the road is wet, patches of ice are possible, especially on bridges and curves. Avoid using cruise control in winter weather conditions.
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road.
• Don't pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary. Treat these as you would emergency response vehicles.
• Keep an emergency winter driving kit in your car.

Visit www.ReadyVirginia.gov for more on preparing for winter weather.

(Great tips from the nanny state.)

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Governor McAuliffe sets September as National Preparedness Month in Virginia

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Join America’s PrepareAthon! by taking action to prepare for emergencies

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe has recognized September as National Preparedness Month in Virginia, calling on families, business owners and communities to take specific steps to be ready for emergencies.

“Most Virginians know they should be prepared for emergencies, but they haven’t completed an emergency plan or participated in an exercise or drill to test their plan,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “It’s never too late to get ready, so I encourage all our people to take at least one action during September to make sure our families, businesses and communities are prepared for the next emergency.”

Among the most important actions people can take toward disaster preparedness are:

·       Practice going to your protected place to be safe from tornadoes.

o   Know what to do and where to go when a tornado warning is issued for your area: http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/stay-informed/tornadoes/preparingfortornadoes

o   Get a NOAA Weather Radio to hear tornado warnings issued directly by the National Weather Service.

• Sign up for text alerts/weather warnings that may be offered by your locality.

• Download the free Ready Virginia app for iPhone® and Android™.  Features:
  • Weather warnings issued for your location by the National Weather Service
  • A customizable emergency plan that can be easily shared with family and friends
  • A checklist for gathering emergency supplies

• Create a family emergency communications plan. 
  • Decide how and where everyone will meet up with each other if separated
  • Choose an out-of-town emergency contact for your family and give that person’s phone number to each family member
  • Make a sheet of emergency contacts and post it in visible places in your home and workplace.  Don’t rely on your smart phone or online contact lists.
  • Get a free emergency plan worksheet at www.ReadyVirginia.gov orwww.ListoVirginia.gov or use the new Ready Virginia app.

• Talk to an insurance agent about flood insurance.
  • Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding; renters and business owners also can get flood insurance.
  • Just one inch of water in a mid-size home or office can mean $20,000 in repairs.
  • Go to www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419 for more information.

People with disabilities or access and functional needs may need to take additional steps.  Plan how to handle power outages and/or being asked to evacuate.  See www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/getakit/disabilities

This year, National Preparedness Month features a day set aside specifically for taking actions to get prepared for emergencies.  September 30 has been designated America’s PrepareAthon! Day.  To sign up for America’s PrepareAthon! go to www.ready.gov/prepare and register how you will take action to prepare in September.

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Ready Virginia app presented to President Obama during hurricane season briefing

Official photographic portrait of US President Barack Obama (born 4 August 1961; assumed office 20 January 2009) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

App users will now receive instant notification of weather hazards

WASHINGTON – The free Ready Virginia mobile application that helps people prepare for emergencies and stay informed during disasters was demonstrated to President Barack Obama May 30 in preparation for hurricane season, which started yesterday and extends through Nov. 30. The president’s annual briefing was held at FEMA headquarters and included three presentations on innovative apps that reach people with critical emergency information. Virginia was the only state invited to present.

“I am proud of the work the Virginia Department of Emergency Management has done on this innovative app that will help Virginians stay informed and prepared in the event of a hurricane or other disaster,” said Governor McAuliffe.

“We were very proud to showcase the Ready Virginia app,” said Brian Moran, Virginia secretary of public safety and homeland security. “We know it’s important to meet people where they are, particularly during emergencies, and many of them are on mobile devices.”

“The invitation to present during this high-level, pre-hurricane season briefing was very timely,” said State Coordinator of Emergency Management Jeff Stern, who described the app’s features to President Obama following an introduction by Secretary Moran. “In fact, that day we had added push notifications to the app that allow users to receive instant weather warning alerts for their area from the National Weather Service. This is a critical safety feature to have, especially when you’re not tuned in to local radio or television.”

The Ready Virginia app for iPhone® and Android™ devices was developed by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) as an interactive tool that makes it easier to be prepared for emergencies. Users can make a customized emergency plan, identify and collect needed emergency supplies, and get the latest disaster news when there are widespread or high profile disaster events in the commonwealth.

Among the app’s features are:

• Alerts: real-time weather and hazard alerts for your location
• Plan: make your emergency plan and share it with family and friends
• Local: GPS-enabled evacuation routes, flood risk updates, emergency manager contacts
• Checklist: essential emergency supplies to have in your kit
• Threats: learn what to do to prepare for the most likely disaster events in Virginia
• Disaster news: stay informed on current emergency events or browse through previous disaster blogs

When Hurricane Sandy impacted the commonwealth in 2012, 40% more people used mobile browsers to access VDEM’s website than during Hurricane Irene the previous year.

The hurricane preparation briefing was moderated by Lisa Monaco, assistant to the president for homeland security and counterterrorism. NOAA Administrator Kathy Sullivan briefed the president on hurricane season. FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson discussed progress on the federal government’s efforts to prepare for and capacity to respond to severe storms. 

Read President Obama’s pre-hurricane briefing remarks:  www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/05/30/readout-president-s-briefing-ahead-2014-hurricane-season

Learn more about the Ready Virginia app: http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/additional-resources/mobileapp

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Governor McAuliffe Urges Citizens to Prepare for Hurricane Season

Tropical Cyclone Funso (08S) over the Mozambique Channel (Photo credit: NASA Goddard Photo and Video)

Get ready and save money during the May 25-31 Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginians are at risk for the damaging effects of coastal and inland tropical storm systems and widespread flooding.  To emphasize the importance of preparing for hurricane season, Gov. Terry McAuliffe has recognized May 25-31 as Hurricane and Flooding Preparedness Week.

“As another hurricane seasons brings the risk of loss of life and property to Virginia, it is critical that we prepare to keep ourselves and our communities safe,” said Gov. McAuliffe. “As we saw in years past storms like Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, these storms can result in tragic deaths and tremendous damage to homes and businesses. I hope every Virginian will take action and make use of the Hurricane Preparedness Tax Holiday to get ready for the storms that we know will come our way this year.”

Individuals and families should have an emergency kit of supplies, starting with three days’ of bottled water and non-perishable food; a battery-powered and/or hand-crank radio with extra batteries to hear emergency information.  Other items to include are flashlights and extra batteries, a first aid kit and an extra supply of prescription medicines.  A written family emergency plan is important as well.  For more information on making a family plan and putting together an emergency supply kit, go to www.ReadyVirginia.gov.

“It’s very common here in Virginia to have flooding during hurricane season.  If your homeowner’s insurance policy doesn’t include flood insurance, talk to your agent now about adding it,” said Jeff Stern, state coordinator of emergency management.  “You don’t have to live in a high risk area for flooding to affect you, and flood insurance is the best protection for your home and belongings.”

Just an inch of water in a small home can lead to more than $10,000 in losses; two inches of water in a mid-size home could cost $21,000 in damage and property loss.  Renters and business owners also can get flood insurance.  Typically, there’s a 30-day waiting period from the date of purchase before your policy goes into effect. See www.floodsmart.gov for details.

The governor’s proclamation of May 25-31 as Hurricane and Flooding Preparedness Week coincides with National Hurricane Preparedness Week, sponsored by the National Weather Service.

“The prediction of a below normal hurricane season should not be taken to mean Virginia won't be impacted this year,” said Bill Sammler, NWS warning coordination meteorologist.  “Let’s all remember that it only takes one storm to cause severe damage and even loss of life.  Everyone should get ready now for this hurricane season.”

Virginia offers an annual Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday every May 25-31 that provides people with an opportunity to buy emergency equipment and supplies tax-free.  All Virginia retailers participate in the holiday.  For more on the sales tax holiday, including a list of tax-exempt items, see www.vaemergency.gov.

In late August 2011, Hurricane Irene left millions of dollars in property damage in central Virginia and on the peninsulas and caused the second-highest level of power outages in Virginia history, affecting about 2.5 million people.  The storm also brought the fourth-highest level of storm surge in Virginia history and heavy rainfall that fell as far west as Interstate 81, measuring 15 inches in some locations.   In early September 2011, flash flooding from the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee displaced hundreds of residents from destroyed and heavily damaged homes and caused widespread damage to public property.

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Virginia Residents Should Be Ready for Winter Storms

McAuliffe speaking at Frying Pan Park in Herndon, VA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Richmond, Va. – With the first major snow storm of the winter season affecting most of Virginia today, residents are reminded to take safety precautions and to avoid unnecessary travel. 

“I urge every Virginian to make proper preparations as this storm moves in and brings snow, potentially life-threatening low temperatures and high winds,” said Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe.  “Unfortunately, injuries and even deaths from hypothermia, heart attack, stroke and traffic crashes are all too common during the winter storms of this type.  Don’t travel unnecessarily, and be prepared to stay where you are until conditions improve.”

Important winter safety tips include:

·         Keep space heaters at least three feet from other objects.  Never leave space heaters unattended. 

·         In case of power outages, use flashlights instead of candles for light.

·         Charge mobile devices.

·         Use generators only outdoors and only in well ventilated areas.  Follow manufacturer’s instructions exactly.

·         Bring pets inside, and make sure outdoor animals have adequate shelter, unfrozen water and food.

·         Driving is most dangerous when the temperature is at or under 32° F.  If the road is wet, patches of ice are possible, especially on bridges and curves.  Avoid using cruise control in winter weather conditions.

·         Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and snowplows.  Don’t pass a snowplow or spreader.

·         Motorists who must travel should check current weather, road conditions and traffic cameras before traveling at www.511Virginia.org or by calling 511 or using the free 511 mobile app.

·         If your household includes someone with special needs (has a disability, requires electricity to operate home medical equipment, needs to go to dialysis, etc.), call your local emergency manager to let them know where you live and what you will need during an emergency. 

Drivers should keep an emergency winter kit in vehicles.  Include bottles of water and granola bars or other non-perishable food; bags of sand or cat litter to provide traction under tires; hats, gloves and blankets; and cell phone chargers. 

Prepare at home with emergency supplies that include three days’ food and water; a battery-powered and/or hand-crank radio with extra batteries to hear local information if the power is out; a first aid kit and necessary medications; blankets and warm clothing, supplies for special members of your household, and pet items.

Before, during and after a winter storm, listen for up-to-date information from local media and emergency officials.  Local media will give instructions from local, state and federal agencies that cover road conditions, winter storm watches and warnings, power outages and health information.

For more on preparing for winter weather in Virginia, visitwww.ReadyVirginia.gov.

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