Tag: hurricane

Norfolk Department of Public Health Urges Caution in Advance of Severe Weather

Date: August 7, 2024
Media Contact: Kathy Lamm, KathyLamm@vdh.virginia.gov, 757-799-8699

Norfolk Department of Public Health Urges Caution in Advance of Severe Weather

NORFOLK, Va. — The remnants of Tropical Storm Debby are expected to impact areas of the state beginning Wednesday, August 7 through the weekend. This storm could bring strong winds and flooding that create dangerous conditions. The Norfolk Department of Public Health reminds people to take precautions to be prepared for severe weather.

Now is the time to check the contents of the emergency kits in your car and home and replace items that may have expired. If you do not have an emergency kit, a supply checklist with basic items that every supply kit should include is available for download. Don’t forget to prepare your pet for an emergency.

During storms:

  • Stay inside and avoid travel when possible. During strong wind or tornado warnings, stay 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).
  • Monitor the radio or TV for updates.
  • Have a supply of bottled water for drinking. You can also fill a bathtub or other large containers with water for additional drinking water or to flush toilets with.

Before the storm be sure to bring in lawn furniture, garbage and recycling carts and other items that are not tied down and could become airborne. Strong winds from Tropical Storm Debby could throw these items around.

Tropical Storm Debby is also expected to bring heavy rainfall, which can cause significant flooding in some areas, and rising flood waters carry many dangers for Virginia citizens. Floodwaters are often dirty from overflowing storm drains and sewers. Floodwaters may also hide debris and other trash that could cause injury. Do not drive through standing or flowing water – Don’t drown, turn around!

If you use a generator, NEVER run it indoors (including a closed garage). Do not try to refuel a running generator.
Finally, know the proper food safety precautions to take before, during, and after a power outage. Be prepared to safely handle food and water if flooding occurs.

For more information, visit NorfolkPublicHealth.com

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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Urge Caution in Advance of Severe Weather

August 7, 2024
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Urge Caution in Advance of Severe Weather

RICHMOND, Va. — The remnants of Tropical Storm Debby are expected to impact the Mid-Atlantic region late Thursday and into the weekend. Richmond and Henrico are under a flood watch beginning tonight at 8 p.m. This storm could bring heavy rainfall and flooding that create dangerous conditions. The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) remind people to take precautions to be prepared for severe weather.

“We don’t yet know what to expect with this storm, but history has shown us that these kinds of events are magnified in our area by water accumulating rapidly in streams and rivers from the mountains,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator Ed Porner. “High water is the number one killer of Virginians in storms. Don’t be a statistic. Don’t drown, turn around! Be alert to official notices both before a storm and post-storm, particularly evacuation and boil-water notices. Check on family and neighbors, especially those with medical or special needs, and make sure they are part of any communication and evacuation plans.”

Now is the time to check the contents of the emergency kits in your car and home and replace items that may have expired. If you do not have an emergency kit, a supply checklist with basic items that every supply kit should include is available for download. Make sure that you have all important documents in one location in case you are told and/or need to evacuate. Don’t forget to prepare your pet for an emergency.

During the storm:

  • 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).
  • Continue to monitor the radio or TV for updates.
  • Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.
  • If you lose power, turn off major appliances such as the air conditioner and water heater to reduce damage.
  • Do not go outside.

Additionally, debris, such as signs, roofing material, siding, and small items left outside, can cause injury and damage property due to strong winds from Tropical Storm Debby. Before the storm be sure to bring in lawn furniture, garbage and recycling carts and other items that are not tied down and could become airborne.

Tropical Storm Debby is also expected to bring heavy rainfall, which can cause significant flooding in some areas, and rising flood waters carry many dangers for Virginia citizens.

During flooding, the greatest threat comes from moving water. The deeper the moving water, the greater the threat. People should avoid driving in moving water, regardless of the size of their vehicle. Never attempt to walk or drive through moving water, as there is no way of telling its depth and swift moving water can carry away people or vehicles trying to cross it.

Heavy rain causes flood waters to rise and pool on streets and throughout neighborhoods. In these situations, be aware of the following:

  • Road surfaces become obscured, and drivers can unknowingly steer into a deep body of water, such as a canal or pond.
  • Electricity from streetlights and power poles may be active through standing water causing a deadly shock to anyone coming in contact with it.
  • Children playing in contaminated standing water can become sick or be bitten by snakes or floating insects.
  • People coming into contact with floodwaters should thoroughly rinse any exposed body parts with soap and sanitized or disinfected water.

Finally, residents, or facilities that provide water to the public including campgrounds, restaurants, or daycares, with private wells or septic systems submerged by flood waters should also take extra precautions. For more information and safety tips regarding private wells and septic systems visit Before and After the Storm – Private Wells and Onsite Sewage Systems.

To contact RHHD, please email rhhdpr@vdh.virginia.gov or call 804-205-3501, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

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Virginia Department of Health Urges Caution In Advance of Severe Weather

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — September 30, 2022
Media Contact:  Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Health Urges Caution In Advance of Severe Weather

RICHMOND, VA — The remnants of Tropical Storm Ian are expected to impact areas of the state beginning Friday, September 30 through the weekend. This storm could create dangerous conditions in creeks, rivers, and low lying areas along the coast. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reminds people to take precautions to be prepared for severe weather and once the sun comes out, be aware of potential health risks before you participate in recreational water activities.

“I encourage everyone, especially those with travel plans, to pay close attention to storm updates, plan appropriately, and take proper precautions as the storm arrives,” said State Health Commissioner Colin M. Greene, MD, MPH. “Be safe; stay safe.”

Heavy rains can increase the risk of animal waste and the potential release of inadequately treated wastewater from sewage treatment plants. Bacteria, debris, and other pollutants in rainwater runoff end up in rivers, lakes and streams, which can pose risks to human health and safety. Rain events also cause flooding and fast-moving waters, especially in low-lying areas.

The most common illnesses from contaminated water are gastrointestinal illnesses. These illnesses may cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain or fever and are a result from swallowing water contaminated by disease-causing microbiological organisms. Additionally, contact with contaminated water has the potential to cause upper respiratory (ear, nose, throat) and skin infections.

VDH recommends avoiding swimming in fast-moving water as there is a drowning risk. Boaters, kayakers, canoeists, etc. face an elevated risk in high waters and should not try to navigate in fast-moving waters.

VDH recommends the following safety tips for people planning to swim, wade, kayak, canoe or go rafting in Virginia natural waters after heavy rains:

  • Everyone should wear a life vest at all times on the water.
  • Avoid getting water in your mouth. Never swallow water from an untreated water source.
  • Don’t swim if you have broken skin. Bacteria, viruses and other organisms can infect wounds causing more serious illness.
  • Shower with soap and water after recreating in natural waters.
  • Don’t swim when you are ill.
  • Avoid swimming if dead fish are present.
  • Use extreme caution and avoid unnecessary risks if you encounter covered roads or fast-moving waters. The water may be deeper and moving faster than you think.

Residents or facilities that provide water to the public including campgrounds, restaurants, or daycares with private wells or septic systems submerged by flood waters should also take extra precautions.

For more information and safety tips regarding private wells and septic systems visit http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/responding-to-an-emergency-affecting-your-private-well/.

To contact your local health department, visit http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/local-health-districts/ or call 877-ASK-VDH3 (1-877-275-8343).

To contact your local health department, visit http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/local-health-districts/.

For more information regarding recreation water safety tips, including the Virginia Department of Health’s “Safely Enjoy Virginia’s Natural Waters” brochure, visit: www.SwimHealthyVA.com.

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