Storm Information

High Wind Preparedness Tips

• Secure garbage cans, lawn furniture or anything that could become airborne and cause damage.
• Clean out gutters and storm drains to keep drains clear of trash, leaves and branches so rainwater can easily flow, reducing possible flooding and ponding.
• Rake leaves to cut down on flying debris and prevent clogged storm drains.
• Stock up your emergency supply kit. Heavy winds can often lead to power outages, sometimes for days at a time.

Hurricane Safety

Know Your Zone

Evacuation may become necessary depending on the track and severity of the storm. Review Virginia’s evacuation zones at KnowYourZoneVA.org. Users can enter their physical address in the search bar of the website to view and confirm their designated evacuation zone. If internet or computer access is not available, call 2-1-1 to learn your zone. Residents not residing in a pre-identified evacuation zone should listen to evacuation orders from local and state emergency agencies to determine if and when to evacuate.

Make a Kit, Have a Plan, Stay Informed

Visit the community preparedness page to learn what to do before a disaster strikes. Ensure that you make a kit, have a plan and stay informed.

• Make an emergency kit: For a list of recommended emergency supplies to sustain your household before, during and after the storm visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) emergency kit page.
• Have a plan:  Virginians residing in eastern and coastal Virginia should consult the Virginia Hurricane Evacuation Guide, which outlines ways to prepare for both weather and pandemic-related risks. Additional planning resources are available at Ready.gov.
• Stay informed: Virginians should follow the Virginia Department of Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook for preparedness updates and their local National Weather Service office for the latest weather forecast, advisories, watches or warnings. Download the FEMA app on your smartphone to receive mobile alerts from the National Weather Service. Power outages are always a concern during weather events—make sure you have a battery-operated radio available so you can still receive life-saving alerts.

For more information about preparing your business, your family and your property against hurricane threats, visit the VDEM hurricanes page and the Ready.gov hurricanes page.

Isolated Flooding

Turn Around, Don't Drown - Monitor Road Conditions

With hurricanes, tropical storms and heavy rainfall we can expect many impacts, including isolated flooding that could made roadways impassible. If you come across high water while driving, turn around. It's not worth the risk! Do not drive on water-covered roadways or move Road Closed signs or orange cones. It's not safe! View realtime traffic and road conditions at 511 Virginia.

Tornado Safety

Tornadoes may strike quickly, with little to no warning, causing extensive damage to structures and disrupting transportation, power, water, gas, communications and other services in its direct path and in neighboring areas. There two levels of tornado awareness, tornado watch and tornado warning:

• Tornado Watch – Be Aware: Tornadoes are possible. Move close to a shelter or sturdy building in case there is a warning.
• Tornado Warning – Take Action: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

Tornado Preparedness

As a household, identify safe rooms or protective locations at home, school or work before a tornado threat arises so that you have a plan for where to go for safety when a tornado warning is issued. Have an emergency communication plan in place for your family by creating a personalized plan using either the online form (which will create a printable PDF) or download a print-ready version (PDF) to fill in by hand. Learn how to build an emergency kit.

Be alert to changing weather conditions and time in to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio, local media and social media for the latest information. Look for the following danger signs: dark, often greenish sky; large hail; large, dark, low-lying cloud formation or rotation; or a loud roar similar to a freight train.

For more tornado information, view the Virginia Department of Emergency Management tornadoes page or the Ready.gov tornadoes page.

Winter Weather Safety 

Winter Driving Tips

• Give yourself extra travel time and check road conditions (511 Virignia) before you leave.
• Check tire pressure, tread depth and antifreeze.
• Remove all snow from your vehicle, including the top, before driving.
• Slow down. Leave space between you and other vehicles.
• Always buckle up!

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), responsible for clearing state-maintained primary and secondary roads in Chesterfield County, can assist you with traffic information, road repairs or paving requests, traffic signal issues, sign requests or repairs, reporting dead animals in the road, or ditch cleaning. VDOT's customer service center can be reached at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623). Here are some plow tips to keep in mind when it snows:

• Don't crowd the plow.
• When shoveling your driveway, dig out about 10 feet to the left of your drive as you face the road. The plows are less likely to push snow in your drive that way.
• Shovel snow after the plow has been by and shovel it to the right of your driveway.
• Be patient until the plows get to you; VDOT follows a road-clearing priority list.

Winter Pet Safety

• Bring pets inside; don't leave a pet outside or tied up during a storm.
• Wipe salt and other chemicals off of pet's feet and stomachs.

Cold Weather Home Tips

• If you use an electric heater, be sure not to overload the circuit.
• Have your furnace and chimney inspected annually.
• Never use a range or an oven as a supplemental heating device.
• Make sure your home has working smoke alarms.
• Practice an escape plan with your family.

Snow Shoveling Safety Tips

Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can cause a heart attack.

• Use caution.
• Take frequent breaks.
• Push snow instead of lifting it.
• If you must lift snow, lift lighter loads.
• Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy walkways.