Hurricane Guide

Storm Surge and Evacuation

The threat of storm surge – not wind – is the reason emergency officials would order a large-scale coastal evacuation.
 
The force of a hurricane’s winds pushing water toward shore causes storm surge, making incoming tides deeper than normal.

Officials may issue evacuation orders for areas that could be affected or isolated by storm surge.

Although officials may ask people in vulnerable areas to evacuate, most won’t need to go far.

If affected residents have family or friends in the region who live on higher ground, they should go there rather than trying to drive out of the area on congested roads.

Hampton Roads residents can contact their local emergency management office to learn how storm surge can affect their property.

General and local storm surge maps are available at www.vaemergency.com in the Hurricane section, located in Threats and Emergencies.

Evacuation and Shelter Information

If officials order an evacuation for your area, leave immediately. Have a destination before you get in the car.

Plan in advance to stay with family or friends who live on higher ground in the area.

Remember to make sheltering plans for your pets.

If you cannot stay with family or friends or at a hotel or motel, public shelters will be available.

Public shelters will provide basic necessities such as food, water and a small amount of space for your family until officials determine it is safe to return home.

Sometimes it is safer to stay home during a storm. Some coastal areas on higher ground are not as vulnerable to storm surge as low-lying areas.

Listen for instructions. If you are ordered to stay where you are, or “shelter in place,” go inside and remain there until officials announce it is safe.

If you must evacuate, remember:

• Leave early
• Stay local when possible
• Public shelters are a last resort.

In addition to basic items in your emergency supply kit, include:

• A three-day supply of special items for elderly, disabled or infant members of your household
  
  
• Copies of important documents (such as insurance policies and birth certificates) that will help you claim assistance after the disaster
  
 
• Blankets, pillows, linens and something to sleep on, such as a cot, air mattress or cushion

During an evacuation, listen to local television and radio stations and watch message signs along the road to learn the location of public shelters.

Shelters can fill quickly and officials will open new shelters as needed.

If you need to go to a different shelter, toll-free call centers will be open during an evacuation to provide you with the most current information.

You can also call the Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors’ Bureau at 800-370-9004 or 804-782-2777 for assistance in finding lodging in the Richmond area and beyond.