Press Releases

RHHD Encourages Severe Weather Awareness 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 9, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov  

RHHD Encourages Severe Weather Awareness 

March 9 – 13 is Severe Weather Awareness Week 

RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage residents to protect themselves and their families by making preparations for severe weather. March and April are traditionally the most active months for tornadoes in Virginia. Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 9 – 13. 

“Severe weather can happen with little to no warning, said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Acting Local Health Emergency Coordinator Alyssa Lewis. “While we can’t control the weather, we can control how prepared we are! It’s never too late to make sure you, your family, friends, and neighbors are signed up for trusted community alerts, have an emergency plan, and have well-stocked emergency kits. Taking a little time now to prepare can give us peace of mind year-round!” 

RHHD recommends the following tips for preparing for severe weather: 

  • Locate safe shelters in the places you spend the most time. In each location, find a small room or hallway with no windows, preferably in a basement or first floor. Once you’ve identified your shelter, communicate that plan with family members or coworkers so everyone knows where to go when a tornado warning sounds.  
  • Choose a reliable news source and stay up to date on the weather. 
  • Register for an in-person or online SKYWARN class to learn how to spot and report dangerous storm systems. 

RHHD recommends the following tips for staying prepared for emergency situations: 

  • Store important family documents, such as copies of insurance policies, identification documents, and bank account records, in a waterproof, portable container or save them electronically. 
  • Keep medications in a central location for easy evacuation if needed. 
  • Prepare a “go-bag” with clothes, toys and toiletries for five days. 
  • Know, and practice, your safe spaces and exits. 
  • Identify friends, neighbors, and relatives who might need extra help during an emergency, including older adults, people with disabilities, and those without transportation. Create a phone tree or contact strategy to check in on them. 
  • Choose a central spot to reunite with your family if separated. 
  • Update your insurance yearly and consider flood insurance. Most insurance companies do NOT pay for flooding damage through a standard homeowner’s policy. 

Visit ready.gov for more emergency preparedness tips. Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.   

# # # 

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are sister public health agencies serving our connected communities. Our mission is to protect health, champion equity, and partner to address local needs. 

rhhd.gov | henrico.gov/health | RHHD Facebook | IG: @richmondcity_hd 

Last Updated: March 9, 2026

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