FAMILY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

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While these preparedness recommendations focus on hurricanes, developing a plan around these considerations should prepare you for most emergencies or disasters.  This site also offers a  number of Links to other sites that provide details for preparing a disaster supply kit, securing your home, preparing for evacuation, managing pets, and caring for people with special needs.

 

This guide is divided into the following sections:

Regardless of the emergency, be it snow or hurricane,  it is your family preparedness that will make the difference in how you carry on during and after the crises.

For more information on emergency preparedness call the Department of Fire and Life Safety at 890-3600

York County’s hazards are linked to it's geography.  The county has 108 square miles on a coastal plain that expose county residents and their property to coastal conditions, such as nor’easters and hurricanes. While the hurricane storm surge zones affect the southeastern part of the county, the hurricane force winds and flash flooding from rain can affect the entire county.  In hurricanes, statistical studies indicate the greatest threat to life is drowning.  Because of the significant growth in the region and a concern for public safety, the purpose of evacuation is to move the people out of the areas prone to flooding and exposed to storm surge.  People who live in mobile homes or camp in local camp sites are asked to move to structures that provide better protection from hurricane force winds. 

Other types of natural hazards, such as severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and winter storms also affect the county.  These events cause flash flooding, power outages, leave behind significant woody debris, and cause damage to homes.

Man-made emergencies or disasters can occur in the county too. The northwest part of the county is within the 10 mile emergency planning zone (EPZ) for the Surry Nuclear Power Facility.    People who live in the 10 mile EPZ receive calendars each year from Virginia Power which provides the latest information on emergency planning for a radiological incident.  Virginia Department of Emergency Management and Virginia Power coordinate with local agencies to ensure public protection actions and planning is consistent with federal and state regulations. 

Transportation accidents on Interstate 64 or Route 17 can also affect almost any area of the county at any time.  The county is a member of the Peninsula Local Emergency Planning Council (PLEPC) to coordinate planning and preparedness according to the requirements of SARA Title III.

Use the answers to the following questions to guide you through development of your family’s emergency plan.

1.  Is your home in a flood prone area? NO ____ YES ____ 

              Don’t Know ______

           Is your home in a hurricane storm surge zone? NO ____ YES ____ 

    Don’t Know ______

To determine if your property is in a flood zone visit York County's Property Information site by clicking here.

            Or call the County mapping office at 890-3897

2. Do you live in a mobile home? NO ____ YES ___

If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then you most certainly should prepare to evacuate.  However, you must take responsibility to prepare your family and protect your property.

If you answered no to all of these questions, then you can consider staying at home.  However, you must take responsibility to prepare your family and to protect your property.

If you responded yes to any or all of the consideration questions, then you should plan to evacuate when advised to do so by County officials.

Where will you take your family, if you have to evacuate?

The following lists some options to consider if you have to evacuate:

A. Move to a home of family or friends outside the flood or storm surge zones or who live in a structure that appears to be strong enough to stand in hurricane force winds.

B. Move to a local hotel or motel outside the flood or storm surge areas.

C. When there is no place to go, use a public shelter.  In York County  the Grafton School Complex located in Grafton behind Fire Station 1 on Route 17 is usually the first shelter to open.  

D. Travel out of the area.

The current Virginia Department of Highways (VDOT) Hurricane Plan designates Route 17 north towards Fredericksburg as the primary evacuation route for York County residents.  York County and Poquoson residents will have access to I 64 at Victory Blvd.   It is important to remember that the Outer Banks, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Hampton residents will be using I 64 as their primary evacuation route.  Once the evacuation is advised for Southside residents, the interstate could reach saturation quickly.  If you plan to use I 64, you should leave well in advance of an evacuation advisory for this region.   Try to time your departure to daylight driving.  It will be important for you to monitor the weather in order for you to make decisions.   Evacuation should be completed before the start of tropical force winds.

Determine your destination inland. Make hotel reservations before leaving or arrangements with family or friends.

Ensure your car is in good working order and the gas tank is full.

If you have a  cell phone ,carry it with you for emergencies.

Carry your family’s disaster supply kit and important papers.

Have an emergency plan for family pets that can be initiated when you evacuate.  Pets can not go to a public shelter; however, some hotels/motels will accept pets.

Secure your home as recommended for people who can stay at home.

Leave your destination telephone number and address with a neighbor or friend who will be staying in the area.

Now, if you feel safe in your home and you answered NO to the individual consideration questions, then consider staying at home.  You need to take certain actions to protect your home and yourself from the hurricane force winds.

1. How will you cover your windows?

Hurricane shutters ____ or plywood ____

Tape provides no protection to the windows or your home.

2. Where is a safe place for my family during the storm?

The Safe Room is a concept from areas prone to tornadoes.  It is an area in the home that is structurally sounder and offers some protection from the strong winds.  Find an interior area on the first floor away from windows and doors. A bathroom, closet, or area under a stairwell can work.

Stairwell _____ Bathroom ______ Closet ______

3. How long should the family stay in the safe area?

Stay in the safe area or room until the wind decreases in speed. However, remember in a hurricane the wind can slow down as the eye passes over-head and picks up again after the eye passes. With a battery powered NOAA weather radio, you can monitor the weather and receive any messages concerning public protective actions.

4. After the storm passes, where can I get information about the status of the county?

Immediately after the storm, the best way to get information is using a battery operated radio.  The County has an agreement with radio station WXGM (99.1FM) to broadcast York County specific information at set times during an emergency. 

If you can get to your neighborhood fire station, staff can answer your questions and if they cannot, they will know who to contact. Please note, that if no one is at the Fire Station ( they may be out on an emergency and/or assisting other citizens), you may have to return later.

The county also provides informational flyers to neighborhoods through the neighborhood associations or other distribution means.  Press releases are provided to the local TV, radio, and newspapers, such as the  Daily Press, Yorktown Crier, and the Virginia Gazette.

Restrict the use of your cell phone to calls for life-threatening emergencies, only.

It is possible that regular telephone service will be available. Cordless phones will not work during power outages, so keeping a standard telephone available in the house can ensure telephone service.

5. How long will it take to get back to normal after a hurricane?

Residents should prepare to be on their own for at least seven (7) days.  The longer you can survive on your own, the better you will be able to cope after the storm. Resources, such as water and food will come from regions not affected by the storm and depending on transportation routes, it could take longer than seven days to arrive in the area. Over-all, disaster recovery in the region could take months to years depending on the size of the storm.  

Your recovery will be dependent on how well insured you are.  Even if your not in a FEMA flood zone, buy flood insurance.  Make sure you have adequate coverage on contents as well as the house.  FEMA, in most cases, provides only low interest loans to make your home livable.  Renters should insure their personal possessions.

6. Should I buy or lease a generator?

Generators can make life easier; however, they can be extremely dangerous if not used properly. A small generator outside the house with appliances plugged directly into the generator is the safest way to keep a few appliances, such as a refrigerator operating. Before buying or leasing a generator to hard wire to your home, consult with an electrician and review brochures on how to safely use a generator.  A generator used inappropriately in your home can have impact throughout your neighborhood and cause fatal injuries.  

Another consideration concerning power, is the family member who is medically dependent on electricity.  Please refer to special needs planning  for more information.

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It is imperative, if you have a special need, to plan for emergencies.  People with special needs in many cases, can not make do.  

Considerations for Evacuation

If you or a family member have any special needs especially those related to health care then you must plan appropriately. Always consult with your physician and health care provider concerning emergency planning.  Most public shelters meet American with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. However, most shelters do not have beds, bedding, or sophisticated medical supplies and equipment.  Local shelters provide no medical services beyond basic first aid.

Always let your health care provider know if you plan to evacuate and where you plan to go.  Let them know if you will need their assistance at your evacuation destination.

If you or a family member needs assistance in daily living, you can use a public shelter if your care giver or family member stays and helps with daily care.  Remember to take medicines, special foods, and medical equipment to the shelter along with bedding and other supplies.

If you or a family member requires skilled nursing care or has a medical condition that congregate living could make aggravate, consider other options for sheltering.  Be sure to consult your physician before you make your emergency plan.

Those people medically dependent on electricity should consult their vendors concerning portable backup power sources.  Also, when evacuating ensure the destination location has a backup power source.

If a family member requires the use of a wheel chair or other medical equipment, take that equipment with you when you evacuate.  Ensure that the equipment has identification and remains close to the person who needs it.

Click here for more information on special needs emergency planning

First, it should be determined if this individual can withstand the stress of the event.  Remember, it will be frightening when the wind starts to blow.  You can sustain damage to your home.  Please consult with the health care provider concerning what is best for the individual.  A special needs person should never be left home alone during a hurricane.   During other kinds of emergencies, only leave the individual at home if they can be visited or communicated with on frequent intervals.  

The power will be out and could be for days.  If a family member is medically dependent on electricity, ensure they have a backup power source for their equipment.  Register with Virginia Power, so they are aware of your needs.  Consult with your health care provider concerning other options.

Register with the Department of Fire and Life Safety's Heads Up Program by calling 890-3600.  Remember, circumstances such as trees blocking roadways and downed power lines may slow the response time to your location.  

Keep sufficient medical supplies and medicines to last at least 2 weeks.

Protect other equipment, such as wheel chairs, walkers, hearing devices, etc.  Remember to keep them with the individual who uses them.  Mark each piece of equipment with name of owner.

At this point in the process,  you should have determined if your family will need to evacuate for a hurricane and where you will go.  If you feel you can stay at home, you should have designated a safe room.  The next step is to take action and start to pull together your emergency preparedness supplies and prepare to protect your property.  To help you put your plan into action, go to the following links for the "how to in emergency preparedness ".