Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads Hurricane Preparation-What You Need to Know to Keep Your Family Safe

BEFORE Anything Happens, Devise an Emergency Evacuation Plan. 

The first thing you need to know is if your home is in an Evacuation Zone. Knowing where you are, where you need to go, and how to get there, are tantamount to an effective strategy to keep your family safe. Next, you'll need to expand your strategy to a solid plan. this will involve three important parts.

1. Where will you go? This doesn't have to be complicated. It could be as simple as a friend, relative nearby, or a hotel that is in a safe zone. Whereever it is, make sure you have checked it out, they know you're coming, and don't forget your fur babies.
2. How will you get you and your family there safely? Remember, if you're thinking about using that route, chances are someone else is doing the same. Take into account traffic congestion, and try to have at least two alternative routes to choose from. In Virginia Beach and Norfolk, roads get flooded easily and can become impassable very quickly.
3. How will you stay in touch with each other should you get separated? Families often have a teenager, older child living away from home, or friends that are close. Make sure you have a list with phone numbers and addresses in the event that loved ones are separated when disaster strikes.

Don't wait until two days before to review and contact friends and family. Go over your plan well before so everyone is on the same page and understands what the plan is when bad weather hits.

Make Sure You Have Hurricane Supplies On Hand

We've all experienced the grocery store runs for bread, milk, etc. Make sure you have these essential supplies on hand at least 3-4 days before the storm is supposed to hit. Put them in Hurricane Kit tub. This includes more than food. Here are a few essentials to get you started.

• Batteries, batteries, batteries. Try to stay stocked up on all sizes.
• Cash. If ATM's are out, and stores are unable to accept credit/debit cards, you'll be able to buy what you need.
• Water. You can repurpose old milk jugs, large bottles, or be lucky enough to have a stash on hand. Some people fill up their bath tubs, buckets, etc. Remember, you'll need it for more than just drinking. Toilets won't flush themselves.
• Battery powered radios are especially helpful to have
• Phone chargers AND backup portable chargers
• Can opener
• Personal hygiene items
• Prescription medication
• Local maps. In this day and age when we relay on GPS more and more, having a local map is especially helpful - for adults as well as teens.
• Paper plates, napkins, toilet paper, etc.
• It's always helpful to have important ID's as well (Drivers license, Social Security Cards, etc.)

Make Sure Your Home is Safe From Debris

When you know a hurricane or storm is coming, make sure your home is fortified as best you can. Below are a few tips to help you do just that!

• Bring in all outdoor items that may get swept away in the wind. This includes patio furniture, plants, any decorations that can get blown away.
• Trim your bushes, any branches that may pose a hazard, and most importantly any dead trees that can fall on your home.
• Cover your windows! Many people use plywood to ensure any flying debris doesn't crash through.
• Have a backup generator on hand. Make sure your generator can handle what your home will need to keep you running in the event of a power outage.
• Fortify your HVAC system! You can do this by applying bolt straps. It's also a good idea to cover your HVAC unit with plywood or tarp.

With over 50 years experience in the Hampton Roads area, A-1 American Services, Inc. has weathered many storms.

Give us a call with any questions you may have regarding your HVAC system or in the event your home may be flooded during this time!