CLICK HERE FOR CITY OF VA BEACH'S HURRICANE INFORMATION


HURRICANE WATCH AND WARNING
A Hurricane Watch means that a hurricane may threaten within 36 hours. A Hurricane Warning means a hurricane is expected to strike within 24 hours. In either case, stay tuned to radio (790 AM), NOAA Weather Radio, local television stations, and Channel 24 (The Weather Channel) for advisories and safety information.

MANDATORY HURRICANE EVACUATION
Stay tuned to local television stations (Channels 3, 10, 13) for updates on the course of the hurricane. If local officials feel the hurricane will threaten lives in a particular area, a Mandatory Hurricane Evacuation will be issued. If a Mandatory Evacuation is issued, please leave the area immediately.


If you are renting a beach home (and not a hotel, condo or Bed and Breakfast), please make sure you bring in all deck furniture, BBQ Grills, and anything in the yard that could be a projectile in strong winds. Put the trash container in the outside shower or a storage area. Unplug major appliances such as Microwaves, TV, VCR, DVD, Stereos, etc. Set thermostats to OFF. Close windows and blinds. Make sure doors are locked tightly and that all screen doors are latched shut. Drop off keys at the office of your property management company on your way out so that they will know you have left. Drive safely and be careful.

CITY OF VA. BEACH EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Office of Emergency Management 385-8466
City Information 385-3111
Emergency Police / Fire / Medical / Evacuation Assistance 911

GOING TO A SHELTER
If a Mandatory Evacation is issued and you decide to go to a local shelter, call the phone number above to find out the closest shelter location. The following items are what you'll need to take to the shelter with you:

- Toilet articles (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, towels, etc.)
- Prescription medicines. Get re-fills before going to shelter.
- Lawn chairs, lounges, or cots for resting or sleeping.
- Sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, etc.
- One complete change of clothes.
- A small supply (2 days) of non-perishable pre-cooked foods.
- A small supply (4 gallons) of sterile drinking water.
- Remember: Fill your gas tank before the hurricane hits.
- Don’t forget about your pets. Unfortunately, animals are
not allowed in shelters, so be sure to make other arrangements.

VA. BEACH HURRICANE SAFETY RULES:
  

-  Keep radio or TV on for the latest advisories from the National Weather Service or the City of Va. Beach, Office of Emergency Services. Radio (790 AM), (101 FM). 
  

- If your house or condo is well built and in no danger from high tides, pounding surf or erosion, it may be the best place to weather the storm. Persons in mobile homes should always evacuate.
  

- Electrical power may be cut off for some time so have a battery powered radio, flashlight and/or other emergency lights in working condition and keep it handy. Have spare batteries for each.
  

- Board up or put on storm shutters to protect windows. Large glass windows may be broken by wind pressure or flying debris if not protected by shutters or boards. Close all curtains or blinds.
  

- Secure (or bring inside) all objects that can be picked up by high winds such as garbage cans, toys, deck furniture, grills, picnic tables, benches, etc. These objects can be deadly missiles during a hurricane. Boats out of water can be partially filled with water to weigh them down.
  

- Store a supply of cooking utensils and extra food, especially foods which can be eaten without cooking or with little preparation.
  

- Store a supply of safe drinking water in sterilized jugs or bottles. Fill your bathtub with water.
  

- If you do decide to evacuate, do so when roads are still passable and don’t risk being stranded. Plan your evacuation route beforehand. Leave early if route is over roads that are likely to be underwater. 
  

- Cut off electricity & gas. Be sure you are dry and not standing in water before touching anything electrical.
  

- Keep away from low-lying beaches or locations, which may be swept by high tides or storm waves.