Rev. 9/2018

GRACE CHURCH

HURRICANE GUIDE

Rev. 9/2018

Check out WWW.KNOWYOURZONEVA.ORG to know what zone you live in.

On June 1, 2017, at the beginning of the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season, the Commonwealth of Virginia unveiled new hurricane evacuation zones for coastal Virginia designed to enhance current evacuation plans, boost public safety, and improve travel efficiency in the event of hurricanes or other disasters.

The new tiered zones, designated A through D, are designed to provide residents with precise and useful information about properties vulnerable to flooding during storms, and whether they should evacuate in an emergency, or shelter in place.

The new evacuation zones were developed by Atkins, a global engineering firm with deep experience designing hurricane evacuation plans for major metropolitan areas, in close cooperation with local emergency managers throughout coastal Virginia. The zones are based on the most up-to-date engineering data for the region.

The new zones take into account historic storm surge measurements, combined with projected effects of storms of different intensity, path, speed, tides, and other meteorological factors.

Avoiding unnecessary evacuation travel will reduce traffic congestion, promote highway safety, and lessen overcrowding at storm shelters. The new zones enhance the current evacuation plans and routes already designated in coastal Virginia.

The Know Your Zone campaign:Those who live or work in coastal Virginia must be aware of the new zones, and – in

particular – the zone in which they live. Together with local emergency managers, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management has launched a public information campaign called “Know Your Zone.” The new tiered evacuation plan will be rolled out beginning June 1, and education and operational enhancements will continue throughout this hurricane season and into future years.

2017 Hurricane Tiered Evacuation Plan Overview

Residents of the region are urged to go online to an easy-to-use website to learn if they live in one of the new evacuation zones, and to keep the information handy to use in times of emergency. Similarly, those who work in the region should identify the zone in which their workplace is located.

The new evacuation zones can be viewed at www.KnowYourZoneVA.org.On this web page, (which is part of vaemergency.org), Virginians can view a detailed,

interactive map of the new evacuation zones. People can use the map to see the entire region or zoom-in to neighborhoods. Visitors to the site also can enter their address in a search bar to see their designated evacuation zone. Those without Internet access are urged to contact their local emergency managers or call 2-1-1.

Local officials and emergency management professionals throughout the region have been actively involved in the new evacuation planning and can assist citizens in identifying their new evacuation zones.

Know Your Zone will serve residents in the following Virginia localities: cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia

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Beach; counties of Accomack, Essex, Gloucester, Isle of Wight, James City, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Northampton, Northumberland, Richmond County, Surry, Westmoreland, York, and the Town of Chincoteague.

Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable to storms with high winds, including hurricanes. Residents of mobile homes in the path of serious storms will be advised to evacuate even if they are not located in one of the new storm evacuation zones.Know Your Zone enhances existing emergency communications procedures:

When people know their evacuation zone, they are better prepared to act if there’s an emergency. When a serious storm is expected to impact Virginia’s coastal area, state and local emergency managers will work with local news media outlets that will broadcast and publish evacuation directives to the public.

The Know Your Zone campaign will be coordinated with public and media outreach, education for local emergency responders and citizens, and other tools to effectively inform residents about what to do in the event of a disaster.Public safety is an ongoing commitment for everyone:

Virginians are safer when they are prepared for emergencies. Know Your Zone is an important new tool to empower people to make good decisions based on the latest and best scientific and technical information. The Commonwealth is always working to improve emergency response plans for citizens, so educational and operational enhancements will continue throughout hurricane season and into future years.

For more information, visit www.KnowYourZoneVA.org, or call VDEM at (804)-897-6510.

In the event of a life-threatening emergency, dial 9-1-1. Use these numbers and additional contacts for general information and when you have a non-life threatening emergency.

TRAFFIC INFORMATIONhttp://www.511virginia.orgCall 511Hampton Roads Traffic Line: 757-361-3016FEMA Road Conditions: 1-800-621-3362

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (VDOT)http://www.virginiadot.orgVirginia DOT: 1-800-367-ROADNorth Carolina DOT: 1-877-DOT4YOU

www.facebook.com/VirginiaDOTfor Hampton Roads updatesfor statewide updates

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT1-866-782-3470www.vaemergency.govwww.ReadyVirginia.gov

www.facebook.com/vaemergency

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AMERICAN RED CROSS1-800-733-2767www.redcross.org

www.facebook.com/redcross for nationalwww.facebook.com/redcrossSEVA for Coastal Virginia Region

SENIOR SERVICES(757) 461-9481 OR WWW.SSSEVA.ORG

Good resource for planning for a #HurricaneStrong home http://www.flash.org/hurricanestrong/

Dominion Virginia Power: 1-800-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357)

Dominion North Carolina Power: 1-888-667-3000

IF YOU PLAN TO SHELTER IN HOME:

Watch the latest warnings and advisories on local and national weather and news channels. Look for local news stations who have apps for this purpose.

Have a family plan in place and stay together at all times. Go to a predetermined interior room away from windows.

Fill sinks, bathtubs, and buckets full of water for sanitary use. If the power goes out, you may lose your water supply.Remember, one gallon per person, per day.

Fill a cooler with ice to store food in case the power goes out. Bring in outdoor lawn furniture, toys, garden tools and tie down objects that cannot be

brought inside. Make sure all of your portable electronics; smartphone, tablet, MP3 player, laptop, are

fully charged. Consider buying a battery operated charger to use if the power goes out. Have plenty of toys and books to keep children entertained. Let someone know you are staying home during the storm. Do not go out in the brief calm, as strong winds can pick up sooner than you expect.

Home Disaster Kit:

Water & Food

At least one gallon of water per person per day for at least 3-5 days At least a 3-5 day supply of non-perishable food

Food

Ready-to-eat canned meat, fruits, vegetables Canned juices, powdered milk, soup

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Non-perishable high-energy food: nuts, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars Food for infants and elderly persons

Tools & Supplies

Cell phone with chargers Hand-crank or battery-operated radio Flashlight and extra batteries First-aid kit Paper plates, cups and plastic utensils Extra cash or travelers cheques, loose change Manual can opener, utility knife Map of area (for locating shelters or evacuation routes) Matches in waterproof container Multi-purpose tool Insect repellent and sunscreen Camera (damage photos) Extra set of car keys and house keys

Sanitation

Toilet paper, towelettes, soap, hand sanitizer, liquid detergent, feminine supplies Personal items, plastic garbage bags and disinfectants

Clothing & Bedding

Sturdy shoes or work boots Rain gear Hats, work gloves, sunglasses Extra set of clothing Blankets or sleeping bags

Baby Items

Formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk, and medications

Special Items for Adults

Prescription and non-prescription medication that are regularly used, denture needs, contact lenses, eye glasses, hearing aid batteries

Important Records

Keep copies in a waterproof, portable container Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds Passports, Social Security cards, immunization records

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Bank accounts and credit card numbers Inventory of valuable household goods Family & emergency contact information Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

IF YOU LEAVE: EVACUATION ROUTES (Check out the previously mentioned website knowyourzoneva.org.)

Closure Plan for Bridges, Tunnels, Ferries

The Commonwealth of Virginia has developed safety guidelines for Hampton Roads’ bridges, tunnels and ferries. Wind speeds, storm surge, rain bands and other conditions at each bridge, tunnel and ferry are monitored constantly. At the onset of tropical force winds of 39-mph, which are forecasted to intensify, bridge, tunnel and ferry personnel may secure the facility as appropriate and seek areas of safe refuge for their personal safety and to prepare for post-storm operations and recovery response. Based on weather conditions, many bridges and tunnels may be physically closed; however, if a facility is not barricaded, gated or otherwise closed to vehicular traffic, this does not mean the bridge or tunnel is safe for passage.

Motorists should consider their personal safety before using these facilities during severe inclement weather.The Midtown Tunnel will close and the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry will suspend operations when a storm produces sustained winds of 39-mph and is forecasted to intensify.The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel, James River Bridge, Downtown Tunnel, Coleman Bridge and High Rise Bridge will close when an approaching storm produces sustained winds of 45-mph and is forecasted to intensify.

When would Virginia reverse traffic on I-64?Only the governor can issue the order for an I-64 lane reversal.Here’s where the I-64 lane reversal would be in effect.Beginning just east of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel at mile marker 273, ending at the Interstate 295 interchange east of Richmond at mile marker 200.What will a reversal mean for you?No traffic will be allowed to travel east on Interstate 64 from just before the HRBT. All I-64 eastbound lanes and ramps between Norfolk and Richmond will be closed to eastbound trafficto I-295 east of Richmond. The entrance to the reversed lanes on I-64 is in Norfolk, just east of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, at mile marker 273.There will be only two possible exits for traffic traveling on the reversed lanes between Norfolk and I-295. They are: Exit 234 in Williamsburg (Route 199) for gas, food, lodging and hospitals and Exit 205 in Bottoms Bridge for gas and food. There will be a comfort station on I-64 near Jefferson Avenue (mile marker 255) and the safety rest areas in New Kent County, which are accessible without exiting the interstate. Drivers who exit the reversed lanes at Exit 234 or Exit 205 cannot re-enter the reversed lanes. They can re-enter I-64 using the regular I-64 westbound ramps. Peninsula traffic will utilize I-64 westbound, entering and exiting regularly.

Here’s a good checklist before you leave:

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Make sure you have a full tank of gasoline. Get cash out early, ATM service may become interrupted. Make plans to secure your property. Shut off power, water, and gas. A professional has to turn your gas back on. Take extra supplies with you (food, water, etc). You may be stuck in traffic for a long

period of time. Bring a cell phone and your charger/car adapter. Carry all valuables and important documents in a waterproof container. If you are traveling with children, make sure they have plenty of snacks, toys, books and

movies to keep them entertained. If you are travelling with pets, be sure they have necessary supplies and accommodations. Follow roads that emergency workers recommend, even if there’s traffic. Other routes

might be blocked.

PREPARING FOR A POWER OUTAGE:

Power outages are common when tropical systems hit. There are several steps you can take in advance to be ready for a major storm.

If You Lose Power

Use a flashlight for emergency lighting, not candles. Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out. Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer. If you use a computer, keep files and operating systems backed up regularly, either on

recordable DVDs, CDs or an external hard drive. If you must evacuate, take the backup files with you. Consider buying extra batteries and a power converter if you use a laptop computer.

Get a high quality surge protector for all of your computer and home theater equipment. If you have an electric garage door opener, find out where the manual release lever is

located. Have a standard corded telephone or cell phone that doesn’t require electricity.

Water Safety

To treat water, first filter the water using a piece of cloth or coffee filter to remove solid particles.

Bring it to a rolling boil for one full minute and cool 30 minutes or; add 12 drops of 2% tincture of iodine per gallon or; add 16 drops of unscented liquid chlorine bleach per one gallon of water. Let stand 30 minutes.

Use water purification tablets.

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Generator Safety

Buy a generator that is listed with the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM).

If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator.

Do not connect a generator to a home’s electrical system. Follow generator directions. Do not use indoors, including inside a garage, due to

dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. Have adequate ventilation and follow proper refueling practices.

Be sure to let the generator cool down before refueling.

Keep the Dominion Customer Service Center number, 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357), with your other emergency numbers. You might also add our number to your cell phone so you can reach us easily in the event of an outage. You can also report outages online (https://www.dom.com/residential/dominion-virginia-power)

DON’T FORGET YOUR PETS!

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and The Humane Society offer tips to help you and your pets be prepared when a storm approaches.

First, make sure your cat or dog is wearing a collar and their identification tags are up to date. Be sure to have your cell phone number on their ID tag. Best idea – Get your pet microchipped! The best time to microchip your pet is when they get spayed or neutered. If your pet is ever lost, you’ll have a better chance of being reunited with them if they are microchipped.

Second, make sure your pet is up-to-date on all vaccinations. If you have to take your pet to an emergency shelter, they will want proof that your pet is current on all vaccinations, so make copies of their medical records. Since we live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, have supplies set aside – the same way you might keep a flashlight under the sink in case there is a power outage.

The best way to be prepared is to have a Pet Disaster-Preparedness Kit. This kit should include:

Food (pop-top canned or dry) and water for at least five days. Medications and medical records. Disposable litter trays and litter. (Aluminum roasting pans will work perfectly) Garbage bags for cleanup. Liquid dish soap or disinfectant wipes. Paper towels. Blankets. Sturdy leashes and harnesses. Large carriers; big enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down. Some shelters

may require pets to stay in a carrier for hours at a time.

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Current photos of your pet. This will help others identify them in case you become separated.

Mark everything with your pet’s identification information. If you plan to evacuate, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND!  It’s important to call your local office of emergency management to see where you can take your pet before a hurricane hits. Public shelters may not allow pets, so you’ll need alternative options:

Find a pet-friendly hotel or motel. Make arrangements with friends or relatives outside the immediate area. Check for pet sitters on Rover.com. Consider a kennel or veterinarian’s office. Last resort, ask your local animal shelter.

SURGE AND FLOOD ZONE MAPS

YORK COUNTY

PENINSULA

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EVACUATION ROUTES

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