North Tidewater News

Hurricane season has begun!  Take the time to prepare before a storm threatens our region. 

Know Your Zone: Evacuation zones are designated A through D and provide clarity on whether you should evacuate in an emergency or shelter at home based on your physical street address and the nature of the emergency event. Review the Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s Know Your Zone program. 

Make a Plan: Develop a plan for your family and make sure you include pets! Consider the specific needs of your household and create your own plan using templates from Ready.gov.  

Pack a Kit: After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water, and other supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency, including medications. Get more information and a handy list on Ready.gov. 

Subscribe to NN Alert: Make sure you receive critical information quickly, including public safety and severe weather. Residents can sign up online. 

Obtain Flood Insurance: Flood insurance, whether through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private carrier, allows individuals, businesses, and communities to quickly and sufficiently recover after a flood. Most homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies do not cover damage caused by floods. Insurance policies take a minimum of 30 days to go into effect, so start the process now by visiting getfloodfluent.org. 

Stay Informed: Follow the National Weather Service’s Wakefield office on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-date storm information and keep an eye on the city’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released their predictions for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters predict near-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year. NOAA states that the Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be less active than recent years, particularly with a high potential for El Nino to develop this summer, which can suppress Atlantic hurricane activity. Get all the details on the NOAA website. 

Original source can be found here.