During a hurricane know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay. https://www.vaemergency.gov/know-your-zone

Do you have a disaster supply kit? Remember to include a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate. http://ow.ly/xwhT303kCn2

During a hurricane if you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads. Learn about other items that should be in your supply kit: http://ow.ly/Rnrk303kPgs

Purchase a portable generator or install a generator for use during power outages. Remember to keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture; and NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet.

Plan ahead: run errands (and don’t forget emergency supplies) now so that you don’t have to drive once the storm starts. #HurricanePrep

Portable generators can cause carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock/electrocution or fire. See tips at http://bit.ly/2dUMXAa

Freeze a bag of water to keep fridge temps lower if the power goes out! https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/public-relations-contacts/severe-weather-preparedness/food-safety/

Be mindful of charging your mobile devices before a storm approaches. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/public-relations-contacts/severe-weather-preparedness/preparing-your-emergency-supply-kit/

During the storm, stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors. Because of the strong winds associated with a hurricane, flying debris and falling trees are possible. http://ow.ly/sN5n303kP3m

Seek shelter in an interior area of your home and refrain from going outside; winds often pick up strength as the eye of the storm passes. http://ow.ly/sN5n303kP3m

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). http://ow.ly/sN5n303kP3m

Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water. http://ow.ly/sN5n303kP3m

If you lose power, turn off major appliances such as the air conditioner and water heater to reduce damage. http://ow.ly/sN5n303kP3m

If your power goes out during a storm, keep your fridge door closed! It will keep cold for about 4 hours unopened. http://ow.ly/XoZeM

Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away. http://ow.ly/sN5n303kP3m

Avoid flood water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines and may hide dangerous debris or places where the ground is washed away. http://ow.ly/sN5n303kP3m

Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm. http://ow.ly/sN5n303kP3m

If you lost power, discard any perishable food that has been above 40°F for two hours or more http://ow.ly/Lpmn301nbFp

Exercise caution when using gas-powered appliances. Learn the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/severe-weather-preparedness/carbon-monoxide-poisoning/