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Get Ready: Be Prepared for Hurricane Florence, or Any Emergency

by Andrea Winey

As state and local communities on the East Coast await the arrival of Hurricane Florence later this week, remember that your business and family have an important role to play in making sure Loudoun County and Virginia successfully meet this threat.

County officials are telling residents and businesses to expect the storm may bring heavy rain, flooding, high winds and loss of power in Loudoun. Being prepared is the best way to meet these threats.

There are many valuable resources available to help you be prepared for Hurricane Florence. Here are a few we have gathered from trusted sources that can help you start.

First, read this post from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation: Prepare Now: Your Business and Hurricane Florence, which outlines the practical steps you can take ahead of Florence making landfall.

Here are some additional resources that can help your short and long-term emergency preparedness:

  1. Disaster Recovery Quick Guides—made possible by Shell, has tailored tips for small businesses and chambers looking to prepare and recover.
  2. Resilience in a Box—Resource guide based on best practices designed to help educate business leaders on disaster preparedness and business resilience.
  3. Disaster Help Desk for Business—Businesses and chambers can call 1-888-My-Biz-Help for direct support from disaster recovery experts.

Loudoun County government also has several important tips to help your business and your family be prepared for Hurricane Florence here: www.loudoun.gov/hurricane.

“While this storm is currently expected to make landfall on the Carolinas’ coasts, we should take this storm seriously,” said Loudoun County Emergency Management Coordinator Kevin Johnson. “I urge residents not to underestimate the potential impact of Hurricane Florence locally and to take action now to prepare yourself and your families.”

Because Loudoun has experienced significant rainfall this past week, area waterways are high and the ground is saturated, increasing the impact of additional rain from this storm. Here are five things for every resident should know to prepare for Hurricane Florence:

1.) Know the Forecast

2.) Prepare Your Property: Reduce the Risk of Damage to Structures

  • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts;
  • Make sure your sump pump is working and the outlet pipe is not blocked. Install a battery-operated backup in case of a power failure.
  • Bring in outdoor furniture and move important indoor items to the highest floor.

3.) Prepare for Power Outages and Potential Hazards

  • Fuel and service your vehicles.
  • Run generators only outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Check flashlights, generators and Weather Radio. Keep your cell phones charged.
  • Stock up on batteries, food that will keep, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.
  • Have cash on hand in case power goes out and ATMs don’t work.
  • Review your insurance policy.
  • Check on elderly neighbors to ensure they are safe during and after the storm.
  • Tips on what supplies to put in your emergency kit are here loudoun.gov/makeakit.
  • Learn more about flooding preparedness at loudoun.gov/flood.

Stay Informed:

Turn Around. Don’t Drown!

  • Take 50 seconds to watch this YouTube video—it could save your life.
  • If you come to a flooded roadway, stop and do not cross. It takes just 12 inches of flowing water to carry off a small car and six inches to knock a person down and carry them away.

Loudoun County has a broad range of resources posted online to help. Visit www.loudoun.gov/ready for four simple steps to prepare for all types of emergencies.