VDH spreads awareness for Hurricane Preparedness Week
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is offering safety tips for residents ahead of National Hurricane Preparedness Week.
The week of May 4 through May 10, is dedicated to bringing awareness towards the damage that hurricanes and tropical cyclones can cause as well as how people can adequately prepare.
Several safety tips have been provided by the VDH for people to get ready in time for this region's hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 through Nov. 30:
- Make a plan or update an existing plan
- Know local evacuation zones or have an evacuation plan
- Check the emergency kits in homes and cars, replace expired items
- Keep a list of necessary medications and instructions
- Include information about conditions people may have, medical supply needs and allergies
- Talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist about how to create an emergency supply of medicines
- Prepare pets for emergencies
- Be aware of local alerts and warnings
- Download the FEMA app to receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service
The department also said people should prepare for storms early, and discouraged people from waiting until storm warning -- as hurricanes can grow in strength very rapidly.
For more information about preparing for hurricanes, click here.
