Tag: floods

Cumberland Plateau & LENOWISCO Health Districts Urge You to Plan Ahead for Spring Severe Weather Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 9-13

March 10, 2026
Media Contact: Daniel Hunsucker, Daniel.Hunsucker@vdh.virginia.gov

Cumberland Plateau & LENOWISCO Health Districts Urge You to Plan Ahead for Spring Severe Weather
Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 9-13

WISE, Va. – As spring approaches, warmer temperatures return — and so does the risk of severe weather. During Severe Weather Awareness Week, observed March 9-13, the Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts urge you to plan ahead before storms strike.

“As we head into the spring season, it’s important for everyone to take a few simple steps now to be ready for severe weather,” said Reisa Sloce, District Director Cumberland Plateau & LENOWISCO Health Districts. “Storms can develop quickly, bringing heavy rain, flooding, and power outages. I encourage residents to review their emergency plans, check their supplies, and stay informed through trusted local alerts. Preparing ahead of time helps protect not only your family, but also your neighbors and community.”

Spring storms can bring a variety of severe weather hazards including tornadoes, thunderstorms with lightning and flooding. Here are some tips from your local health department to keep you safe during severe weather events.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes can form with little or no warning and bring winds more than 200 miles per hour.

If you are indoors:

  • Go to a basement or storm shelter.
  • If you do not have a basement, choose an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor, away from windows.
  • Do not stay in a mobile home.
  • Remain sheltered until you are sure the storm has passed.

If you are outdoors:

  • Seek shelter in a sturdy building immediately.
  • If driving, go to the nearest safe structure if possible.
  • If no shelter is available, lie in a low area away from trees and objects that could become airborne.
  • Do not shelter under bridges or overpasses.

Thunderstorms and Lightning

Thunderstorms can form quickly, bringing strong winds and dangerous lightning. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles from a storm.

To stay safe:

  • Trim trees and secure loose outdoor items before storms.
  • Go indoors at the first sign of thunder or lightning and bring pets inside.
  • Stay away from windows.
  • Avoid using electronics or anything plugged into an outlet.
  • Stay out of showers and away from plumbing.
  • Remain indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder.

If you cannot get indoors, avoid water, tall trees, and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. If someone is struck by lightning, call 911 immediately.

Flooding

Floods are the most common disaster in the United States. Floodwater can contain debris, chemicals, and other hazards.

Key safety reminders:

  • Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
  • Six inches of moving water can knock you down; one foot can sweep away a vehicle.
  • Avoid bridges over fast‑moving water.

Severe Weather Awareness Week is an opportunity for you to review safety plans, refresh emergency kits, and learn how to stay informed before storms strike. Severe weather can develop quickly. Taking simple steps now can help protect you and your family.

  • Have a plan. Talk with your family about where to go and what to do if severe weather occurs. Make sure everyone knows the safest places in your home and how to communicate during an emergency. You can create a family emergency plan online.
  • Build an emergency kit. A disaster supplies kit includes the basic items your household may need if you must shelter in place for several days. This may include water, non‑perishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents. Guidance on what to include and where to store your kit is available at gov.
  • Stay informed. Reliable alerts save lives. Use a weather radio, the FEMA app, or local alert systems to receive timely warnings. Check the settings on your mobile device to ensure you can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). Make sure you understand the difference between watches and warnings so you know when to take action.

If you have questions about weather safety, please contact Delilah McFadden with the Cumberland Plateau Health District at 276-889-7621 or Darrin Rowe with the LENOWISCO Health District at 276-386-1312.

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Encourage Tetanus Vaccine Following Recent Floods

February 18, 2025
Media Contact: Daniel Hunsucker, PIO, daniel.hunsucker@vdh.virginia.gov

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Encourage Tetanus Vaccine Following Recent Floods

WISE, Va. – The LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts are offering free Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) to those affected by the flooding, responding to emergency situations, or those assisting with the recovery. The health department reminds residents and first responders to ensure their tetanus vaccinations are up to date.

Tetanus, sometimes called “lockjaw,” can cause symptoms such as fever, jaw cramping, muscle spasms, and seizures. Tetanus bacteria is found naturally in soil. If you wade through flood water, you could encounter sharp objects and sustain an injury that allows the tetanus bacteria to enter your body. Although tetanus infection is rare, it can be very serious or even fatal.

The best way to prevent infection is to be vaccinated prior to exposure, which is why all adults should receive tetanus shots every 10 years. However, tetanus vaccination is still effective if given within 48 hours after an injury.

You may need a tetanus booster shot if:

  • It has been more than 10 years since your last tetanus vaccination.
  • You have a puncture wound and it has been more than five years since your last tetanus vaccination.
  • You have a wound that has come in contact with flood water, and it has been more than five years since your last tetanus vaccination.

If you’re not sure if you need a tetanus vaccine or want more information about the availability of vaccines, contact your primary care provider, your local health department, or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/.

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourages Everyone to Make a Plan in Honor of National Preparedness Month

September 9, 2024

Media Contact: RHHDpr@vdh.virginia.gov
804-807-1727

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourages Everyone to Make a Plan in Honor of National Preparedness Month

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts encourage the public to observe National Preparedness Month (NPH) this September by making a plan for emergencies.

“Emergency preparedness starts with a few simple, cost-free steps,” says Ed Porner, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts emergency preparedness and response coordinator. “Talk to your family, gather important information, and find out what your friends and neighbors will need. The more prepared we are as a community, the better we will fare.”

The theme of this year’s NPH is “Start a Conversation” The best way to begin the development of your family emergency plan is to start with a conversation. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security advises that the best time to start talking about emergency preparedness is when everyone is calm and relaxed. Hold the discussions over a small time period so decisions aren’t rushed, and everyone can feel more comfortable talking about the topic. Ensure everyone has input and is on board! Talk about steps you’ve taken to prepare in the past, things that have gone well (or not gone well) as a result of planning and encourage others to ask questions about preparedness actions that might work for them.

Make sure your plan includes everyone! Consider supporting those in the community that might need your help, like an elderly neighbor or someone with a disability. Don’t forget to plan for your pets!

Ed Porner offers these tips to help you and your family stay prepared:

• Prepare your family AND your household. Disasters can happen unexpectedly and without warning. Hurricanes and storms may give us some time to gather things together, but fires, floods, and other disasters could give us only seconds to get to safety. Gather important documents like birth certificates, citizenship papers, or backup medical prescriptions and place them in a secure location close to an exit, preferably in a fireproof box.
• Talk openly with kids about preparedness. Talk with children often, honestly, and openly about the potential for emergencies while empowering them to take charge of their own preparedness. “Comfort items” for both kids and older adults should be an important part of an emergency kit – think a favorite toy or a keepsake that’s important to that person. Discussions should include procedures for reuniting if separated, trusted people in their lives that they can call, and how to access emergency services if they’re alone. Prepare with Pedro from Ready.gov is a fun resource that families can use to help kids think about preparedness.
• Meet your neighbors. Planning with your community in mind can help counteract some of the ways way age, income, or disabilities impact someone’s readiness for emergency situations. Have conversations about the needs your neighbors might have and what type of assistance they might need in an emergency.
• Practice your plan. Turn preparedness into a game like a treasure hunt for emergency kit items, or a car trip around the neighborhood highlighting meeting points of safe areas. Ready.gov has many more ideas.
• Learn more about preparedness at Ready.gov or VDH Severe Weather Preparedness.