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News Release Archive

Virginia Department of Emergency Management
10501 Trade Court, Richmond, VA 23236

CONTACT: Bob Spieldenner, VDEM (804) 897-6510
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 30, 2006

As Tropical Depression Ernesto Approaches, Virginians Should Prepare

Richmond, VA - Tropical Depression Ernesto is forecast to hit the Commonwealth on Friday, bringing with it the chance for flash flooding and tornadoes in central and eastern Virginia. Residents should make essential preparations now.

"All Virginians should assume that a tropical depression can be dangerous." said Michael Cline, state coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. "Both Gaston and Jeanne were tropical depressions when they passed through Virginia in 2004. Together they killed 10 people and caused 22 localities to be declared federal disaster areas."

In fact, the majority of deaths that resulted from Gaston were people who attempted to drive across flooded roadways. If drivers come upon a road that is covered by any amount of water, they should turn around and find another route. The apparent depth of water can be deceiving, and it takes only two feet of water to carry away a large SUV.

There are three simple, low-cost steps that Virginians can take to prepare:

Make an emergency supply kit. A kit includes, among other things, essential items to last at least three days, such as a battery-powered radio and extra batteries, food and water, flashlights, a first aid kit and medications.

Create a communications plan. Discuss what your family would do during an actual emergency. Decide on a meeting place if your family cannot return home, designate an out-of-town friend or relative as a point-of-contact and plan for the specific needs of your household, such as an evacuation shelter for pets or transportation for medical equipment.

Listen for the most local, up-to-date information from emergency officials. Local media will give details about evacuation orders, how to safely stay where you are and when the emergency has passed.

In addition, residents need to know what to do during flash floods and tornadoes, which can develop with little or no warning. Follow these tips to stay safe:

Flash Floods

• Be alert to signs of flooding and be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice.
• Know the difference between a flash flood watch and warning:
  • A flash flood WATCH means flooding is possible in your area. Be alert to sin of flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.
  • A flash flood WARNING means a flood is already occurring or will occur very soon in your area. Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains. Resident in low-lying areas near streams and rivers should evacuate immediately — you might only have a few minutes to escape.
• Do not drive across water-covered roads. Turn around and find another route.
• If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

Tornadoes

• Know the difference between a tornado watch and warning:
  • A tornado WATCH means weather conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.
  • A tornado WARNING means a tornado has actually been sighted. Warnings are issued for individual counties and include the tornado's location, direction and speed. If you are in or near its path, seek shelter immediately. Don't attempt to look for the tornado. Many Virginia tornadoes are obscured by rain and may not be visible at all or until it is too late to take cover.
• Know the names of the counties, cities and towns near you. It will be easier to track the tornado's direction if you are familiar with the geography of your area.
• Find appropriate shelter and protecting yourself while there. The best place to be during a tornado is an interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building. If you are outside, in your automobile or in a mobile home, seek shelter in a sturdy building. If none is available, lie down flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your arms. Mobile homes are extremely unsafe during tornadoes.

More detailed information about how to stay safe during an emergency is available at VDEM's Web site, www.vaemergency.com.

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