August 7, 2024
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov
Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Urge Caution in Advance of Severe Weather
RICHMOND, Va. — The remnants of Tropical Storm Debby are expected to impact the Mid-Atlantic region late Thursday and into the weekend. Richmond and Henrico are under a flood watch beginning tonight at 8 p.m. This storm could bring heavy rainfall and flooding that create dangerous conditions. The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) remind people to take precautions to be prepared for severe weather.
“We don’t yet know what to expect with this storm, but history has shown us that these kinds of events are magnified in our area by water accumulating rapidly in streams and rivers from the mountains,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator Ed Porner. “High water is the number one killer of Virginians in storms. Don’t be a statistic. Don’t drown, turn around! Be alert to official notices both before a storm and post-storm, particularly evacuation and boil-water notices. Check on family and neighbors, especially those with medical or special needs, and make sure they are part of any communication and evacuation plans.”
Now is the time to check the contents of the emergency kits in your car and home and replace items that may have expired. If you do not have an emergency kit, a supply checklist with basic items that every supply kit should include is available for download. Make sure that you have all important documents in one location in case you are told and/or need to evacuate. Don’t forget to prepare your pet for an emergency.
During the storm:
- Stay inside and away from windows, skylights and glass doors. Find a safe area in your home (an interior room, a closet or bathroom on the lower level).
- Continue to monitor the radio or TV for updates.
- Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.
- If you lose power, turn off major appliances such as the air conditioner and water heater to reduce damage.
- Do not go outside.
Additionally, debris, such as signs, roofing material, siding, and small items left outside, can cause injury and damage property due to strong winds from Tropical Storm Debby. Before the storm be sure to bring in lawn furniture, garbage and recycling carts and other items that are not tied down and could become airborne.
Tropical Storm Debby is also expected to bring heavy rainfall, which can cause significant flooding in some areas, and rising flood waters carry many dangers for Virginia citizens.
During flooding, the greatest threat comes from moving water. The deeper the moving water, the greater the threat. People should avoid driving in moving water, regardless of the size of their vehicle. Never attempt to walk or drive through moving water, as there is no way of telling its depth and swift moving water can carry away people or vehicles trying to cross it.
Heavy rain causes flood waters to rise and pool on streets and throughout neighborhoods. In these situations, be aware of the following:
- Road surfaces become obscured, and drivers can unknowingly steer into a deep body of water, such as a canal or pond.
- Electricity from streetlights and power poles may be active through standing water causing a deadly shock to anyone coming in contact with it.
- Children playing in contaminated standing water can become sick or be bitten by snakes or floating insects.
- People coming into contact with floodwaters should thoroughly rinse any exposed body parts with soap and sanitized or disinfected water.
Finally, residents, or facilities that provide water to the public including campgrounds, restaurants, or daycares, with private wells or septic systems submerged by flood waters should also take extra precautions. For more information and safety tips regarding private wells and septic systems visit Before and After the Storm – Private Wells and Onsite Sewage Systems.
To contact RHHD, please email rhhdpr@vdh.virginia.gov or call 804-205-3501, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
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