In the Event of a Hurricane Warning: What to Do in Virginia Beach

Luckily, the chances of Virginia Beach being hit by a major hurricane are pretty slim. We have been pretty lucky the past few years, especially when comparing ourselves to New Orleans. However, you can never be too prepared. This year the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is calling for a higher than normal season as far as intensity. Here is my list of what to do if Virginia Beach is hit by a hurricane.

You may be confused about how Virginia Beach residents will be informed of a warning or watch. You can always tune into the local news stations, they are great about keeping full coverage on hurricane events. The Virginia Beach city's website is a great resource. During an emergency situation, Vbgov.com, will be turned into an emergency web site. The second resource is the television. There are three local channels, numbers 46, 47, 48, that will broadcast local information. You can also call the Public Information Office at (757) 385-3111. They will have any information you need. Turning your radio to 1680 AM will also get you local information.

If an evacuation is called there is a route that Virginia Beach is supposed to take. Due to the limited exits there is a phase one and phase two evacuation plan in place. Virginia Beach is part of the phase one evacuation. Residents located South of Route 44 and at the oceanfront are to take Interstate 64 towards Suffolk. Residents located North of Route 44 are to take Interstate 64 West toward Richmond. Make sure you have plans set in advance for a place to stay. Either set up a place with a family member or friend out of town or a hotel. Consider it a late summer vacation.

If you don't have anywhere to stay out of town, or can't make it that far, there are plenty of shelters in the area you can turn to. Just remember that these shelters are not 100% guaranteed to make it through a hurricane, they are just as suseptable to damage. Also, only certain shelters may be open during an emergency. Be sure to double check with the local radio and news stations to make sure the one you are going to is open. The primary shelters for Virginia Beach are: Bayside Elementary, Birdneck Elementary, Corporate Landing Middle, Cox High, Green Run High, Landstown High, Landstown Middle, Salem High, Salem Middle and Tallwood High. Remember that shelters do not accept pets of any kind so make sure to make arrangements for you furry companions beforehand.