DISASTERS in
VIRGINIA
What Kinds of Disasters Can We
Experience and How to Prepare!
Virginia's geographical diversity, from
mountains to shoreline, means that the
Commonwealth is open to a variety of natural
disasters, ranging from severe thunderstorms
to winter storms, from hurricanes to geological
hazards like landslides. In addition, we must
prepare for manmade threats, such as
radiological and hazmat incidents and terrorist
incidents.
Stay Informed About Your Threats
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Before, during and after a disaster, it is critical
that you listen for the most local, up-to-date
information from emergency officials. Local
media will convey instructions from local,
state and federal government partners, such as:
Orders to evacuate
Details about evacuation routes
Locations of evacuation shelters
How to safely stay where you are
Where to find assistance
 Weather warnings and watches
Make sure your battery-powered radio is
working in case the electricity goes out. Have
extra batteries on hand.
It’s also important to know what kinds of threats
could affect where you live.. Knowing what to
do during an emergency is an important part of
being prepared.
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Chemical & Hazmat Events
Can happen anytime, anywhere
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A major chemical emergency is an accident
that releases a hazardous amount of a chemical
into the environment. Accidents can happen
underground, on railroad tracks or highways,
and at manufacturing plants. These accidents
sometimes result in a fire or explosion, but
many times you cannot see or smell anything
unusual.
Droughts
During dry seasons, but can be year around!
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While droughts tend to be less spectacular than
other types of natural disasters, they actually
affect more people in North America than any
other type of natural hazard.
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No region in North America is immune to
droughts, and at least one region in the United
States experiences drought in any given year.
Fires
Anytime
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To protect yourself, you must understand the basic
characteristics of fire. Fire spreads quickly; there is no time to
gather valuables or make a phone call. In just two minutes, a
fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence
can be engulfed in flames.
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Heat and smoke from fire can be more dangerous than the
flames. Inhaling the super-hot air can sear your lungs. Fire
produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and
drowsy. Instead of being awakened by a fire, you might fall
into a deeper sleep. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire
deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio.
Earthquakes
Anytime
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Earthquakes and Landslides can and do occur
in Virginia. Their intensity may be small
compared to West Coast states, but Virginians
still need to be aware of this hazard and
prepare their families.
Landslides
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Landslides, also known as mudslides and debris flow,
occur in all U.S. states and territories, and can be
caused by a variety of factors including earthquakes,
storms and fires. Landslides can occur quickly, often
with little notice, the best way to plan for a mudslide
is to stay informed about changes in and around your
home that could signal that a Landslides is likely to
occur. Look for changes in landscape and water
drainage, or new cracks in foundations and sidewalks.
Floods
Any Time it Rains
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Flooding is the nation's most common natural
disaster, but not all floods are alike. Some can
develop slowly during an extended period of rain, or
in a warming trend following a heavy snow. Others,
such as flash floods, can occur quickly, even without
any visible signs of rain. Be prepared for flooding no
matter where you live, but particularly if you are in a
low-lying area, near water or downstream from a
dam. Even a very small stream or dry creek bed can
overflow and create flooding.
Lightning & Thunderstorms
Anytime of Year
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In the United States, lightning kills 300 people and
injures 80 on average, each year. All thunderstorms
produce lightning and all have the potential for
danger, including tornadoes, strong winds, hail,
wildfires and flash flooding.
Lightning's risk to individuals and property is
increased because of its unpredictability. It often
strikes outside of heavy rain and can travel up to 15
miles in any direction. Most lightning deaths and
injuries occur when people are caught outdoors in the
summer months during the afternoon and evening.
Tornadoes
Year-round
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Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms.
They can appear suddenly without warning
and can be invisible until dust and debris are
picked up or a funnel cloud appears. Be
prepared to act quickly. Tornadoes strike
throughout Virginia, year-round
Hurricanes
August-late September
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Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form
in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea,
Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific
Ocean. Scientists can now predict hurricanes,
but people who live in coastal communities
should plan what they will do if they are told
to evacuate.
Tsunamis
Anywhere Along the Coast of US
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Tsunamis are enormous waves caused by an
underground disturbance such as an
earthquake. They can move hundreds of miles
per hour, and hit land with waves topping 100
feet in height.
Understanding the Difference Between
the Terms That Identify a Tsunami Hazard:
Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a tsunami
hazard:
 Advisory: An earthquake has occurred out in the ocean, which
might generate a tsunami.
 Watch: tsunami was or may have been generated, but is at
least two hours travel time to the area in Watch status.
 Warning: A tsunami was, or may have been generated, which
could cause damage; therefore, people in the warned area are
strongly advised to evacuate.
Winter Weather
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Winters in Virginia can mean snow or
subfreezing temperatures, as well as strong
winds or even ice or heavy rain storms. Winter
weather can knock out heat, power and
communications services to your home or
office, sometimes for days at a time.
Terrorism
Anytime, Anywhere
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Terrorism is the use of force or violence against persons or
property in violation of the criminal laws of the United States
for purposes of intimidation, coercion or ransom.
Terrorists bypass established institutions (such as courts),
using violence against citizens to force changes in society and
force governments to change policies toward their cause.
Terrorists might use weapons of mass destruction. Weapons of
mass destruction include toxic or poisonous chemicals, disease
organisms, dangerous radiation, explosive incendiary or
poison gas bombs, grenades, rockets or missiles, mines or
similar devices. Terrorists also use traditional weapons such as
automatic guns or grenades in armed attacks on targets.
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Depending on the severity and type of the attack, many things
could happen in your community:
There could be many casualties.
There could be significant damage to buildings and the
community’s infrastructure.
Health and mental health resources in the affected
communities could be strained to the limits, might be even
overwhelmed.
There could be heavy law enforcement involvement at local,
state and federal levels due to the event's criminal nature.
An area might have to be evacuated.
Workplaces and schools might be closed, and there might be
restrictions on domestic and international travel.
Cleanup might take months.
Public fear could continue for a prolonged period.
Know the Department of Homeland
Security’s Threat Advisory System:
Low condition (Green) Low risk of terrorism. Routine security is implemented to
preclude routine criminal threats.
Guarded condition (Blue) General Risk with no credible threats to specific targets.
Elevated condition (Yellow) Elevated risk of terrorist attack but a specific region
of the USA or target has not been identified.
High condition (Orange) Credible intelligence indicates that there is a high risk of
a local terrorist attack but a specific target has not been identified.
Severe condition (Red) A terrorist attack has occurred or credible and corroborated
intelligence indicates that one is imminent. Normally, this threat condition is
declared for a specific location or critical facility.
Radiological & Nuclear
Anytime
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In the event radiation is released into the atmosphere,
you can take several steps to reduce your risk of
exposure. Emergency Alert System radio or television
stations will provide details on what actions are best
for the given situation.
Listen to your EAS radio or television station to learn
if you need to evacuate or stay where you are, where
to get radiation tests and when radiation in the area
has decreased to an acceptable level. View a list of
EAS stations on www.vaemergency.com .
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For emergencies involving the Surry or North Anna power
stations, there are four different warnings:
Notification of Unusual Event: There is a problem at the
nuclear facility. No action is necessary.
Alert: There is a problem at the nuclear facility that has the
potential for a radiological release. No action is necessary.
Site Area Emergency: A more serious problem has occurred
at the plant, and small amounts of radiation might have or
could leak into the environment. Area sirens might sound, and
state and local officials will act to ensure public safety. Listen
to your local EAS station.
General Emergency: A very serious problem has occurred at
the plant, and radiation could leak outside the plant and off the
plant site. Area sirens will sound. Listen to local radio or
television stations for information. State and local officials will
act to ensure public safety. Be prepared to follow instructions
promptly.
Health Threats
Pandemic Flu
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A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. An influenza
pandemic occurs when a new influenza A virus emerges for
which there is little or no immunity in the human population
and the virus begins to cause serious illness and then spreads
easily person-to-person worldwide. The federal government,
states, communities and industry are taking steps to prepare for
and respond to an influenza pandemic.
If a pandemic occurs, it is likely to be a prolonged and
widespread outbreak that could require temporary changes in
many areas of society, such as schools, work, transportation
and other public services. An informed and prepared public
can take appropriate actions to decrease their risk during a
pandemic.
For Your Vehicle
At All Times
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List of emergency contact information
Small flashlight and batteries
Whistle or other noisemaker
Water
Extra medication
Copies of prescriptions
Extra pair of glasses
Hearing aid batteries
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Pad and pencil or pen
Several blankets
Extra set of mittens or gloves, wool socks, wool cap
during cold weather
Jumper cables and instructions
Small sack of sand or clay kitty litter
Small shovel
Red cloth to use as a flag
Cellular telephone
Emergency car hammer that can break glass and cut
seatbelts
Stay Informed
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Listen to weather-alert radios to stay informed
of all emergency watches and warnings.
Also monitor commercial radio, television and
the Internet.
Keep in mind that after a disaster, it could be
hours, or even days, before emergency
personnel are able to reach you.
If You Should Have to Evacuate
Know the Road Conditions Before You Leave
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Know the road conditions before you hit the
highways. Visit http://www.511virginia.org or
dial 511 from any phone for real-time traffic
information and road condition reports.
Or visit http://www.virginiadot.org for the
latest road reports or listing of closed roads
during a major hurricane or storm event.
Let Your Family Know You Are Safe
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If your community experiences a disaster,
register on the American Red Cross Safe and
Well Web site available through RedCross.org
to let your family and friends know about your
welfare. If you don’t have Internet access, call
1-866-GET-INFO to register yourself and
your family.