Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, located in Virginia’s coastal region, are particularly vulnerable to natural disasters such as hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, and even the occasional tornado. Seniors living in these areas face unique challenges during emergencies, including mobility issues, medical needs, and the complexities of securing adequate transportation during an evacuation.
Having a well-defined escape route is essential for safely evacuating when a natural disaster threatens. This guide will help you understand how to prepare for a disaster in Virginia Beach or Chesapeake, identify your evacuation zone, and create a plan that ensures you can leave quickly and safely.
Understanding Natural Disaster Risks in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake
Virginia Beach and Chesapeake are low-lying coastal cities, making them susceptible to several natural disasters, including:
• Hurricanes and Tropical Storms: From June to November, these areas can experience the heavy rain, high winds, and storm surges that hurricanes and tropical storms bring.
• Flooding: Both cities are prone to flooding from heavy rain, storm surges, and tidal flooding. Virginia Beach’s coastal areas and Chesapeake’s rivers and wetlands increase this risk.
• Tornadoes: Though not as frequent, tornadoes can accompany severe storms or hurricanes, posing additional threats to residents.
• Winter Storms: Occasionally, severe winter storms bring snow, ice, and freezing rain, leading to hazardous road conditions and power outages.
Understanding these risks helps shape your evacuation plan. Whether you’re facing a hurricane or a flood, being prepared with an escape route can make all the difference in staying safe.
Step 1: Know Your Evacuation Zone
Both Virginia Beach and Chesapeake have designated evacuation zones that determine when and whether you need to evacuate during a natural disaster. These zones, labeled A through D, correspond to the level of risk for storm surge and flooding in your area.
• Zone A: The most at-risk areas, including coastal regions and locations near rivers or wetlands. If you live in Zone A, you will be the first to receive an evacuation order.
• Zone B, C, D: These zones represent areas progressively farther from the coast and at higher elevations, but even residents in Zone D may need to evacuate during severe storms or hurricanes.
How to find your zone:
• Visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) website, where you can enter your address to find your specific evacuation zone.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts to receive evacuation notices and instructions when needed.
Knowing your zone is crucial because it helps you determine when to leave and whether your area is at immediate risk from storm surges or flooding.
Step 2: Choose Your Evacuation Destination
Once you know your evacuation zone, the next step is to choose a safe destination in case you need to leave your home. Options include:
1. Staying with family or friends outside the evacuation zone
• If you have family or friends in safer inland areas, staying with them is often the most comfortable option. Be sure they live outside the flood-prone zones.
2. Local shelters
• Virginia Beach and Chesapeake will open shelters during hurricanes and other emergencies. Shelters provide a safe place to stay but may not offer the same level of comfort as a hotel or private home.
• Check in advance whether the shelter you plan to use can accommodate any special needs, such as mobility issues, medical equipment, or pets.
3. Hotels
• Booking a hotel outside the evacuation zone is another option. However, hotels fill up quickly during emergencies, so it’s important to make reservations early if you plan to use this option.
When selecting a destination, make sure it’s at least 20 to 50 miles away from flood zones and has the resources you need, such as accessibility for mobility aids and space for pets if necessary.
Step 3: Plan Your Escape Route
Virginia Beach and Chesapeake both have well-established road networks for evacuation, but traffic can become a major issue during large-scale evacuations. Knowing which routes to take and where to go can save you precious time.
1. Primary Evacuation Routes
• I-64: One of the main evacuation routes, I-64 connects both Virginia Beach and Chesapeake to inland areas. During hurricanes or severe storms, this road often becomes congested, so it’s essential to leave early.
• US Route 58 and US Route 460: These highways also serve as evacuation routes, offering alternative ways to travel inland if I-64 is too crowded.
• Route 17 (George Washington Highway): An additional route that can take you inland from Chesapeake.
2. Avoid Flood-Prone Roads
Low-lying roads, especially near the coast or waterways, are at high risk of flooding. Be aware that heavy rains and storm surges can quickly make these routes impassable. Stay informed about road conditions by monitoring local traffic apps or radio reports.
3. Use Navigation Apps for Real-Time Updates
If possible, use GPS or smartphone apps to get real-time traffic updates. Many navigation apps can provide alternate routes if your primary route is blocked or heavily congested.
4. Consider Your Mobility and Transportation Needs
Seniors who don’t drive or have mobility challenges should arrange transportation in advance. Many cities, including Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, offer special evacuation assistance for seniors, people with disabilities, and those with medical needs. Contact your local Office of Emergency Management to learn about services like evacuation shuttles or paratransit options.
Step 4: Prepare Your Emergency Kit
An essential part of your evacuation plan is having an emergency kit ready to go at a moment’s notice. Your kit should contain enough supplies to last at least three days and be tailored to your specific needs as a senior.
1. Basic Emergency Supplies
• Water: One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.
• Non-perishable food: Enough food to last three to seven days, along with a manual can opener.
• Flashlight and extra batteries: Power outages are common during disasters, so you’ll need light sources.
• Clothing and blankets: Pack extra clothing and blankets for warmth in case you evacuate to a shelter or cold-weather conditions.
• Cash: Banks and ATMs may be out of service, so have some cash on hand for emergencies.
2. Special Supplies for Seniors
• Medications: A 7- to 14-day supply of prescription medications, along with a list of your prescriptions, dosages, and doctor’s contact information.
• Medical devices: Backup batteries for medical devices like hearing aids, mobility scooters, or oxygen concentrators.
• Mobility aids: Canes, walkers, or wheelchairs should be packed or easily accessible.
• Personal documents: Copies of your ID, insurance papers, medical records, and a list of emergency contacts. Store these in a waterproof container.
3. Pet Supplies
If you have pets, make sure to pack pet food, water, and any medications they need. Some shelters allow pets, but it’s important to verify this ahead of time.
Step 5: Stay Informed
Staying informed is crucial when a natural disaster is imminent. Virginia Beach and Chesapeake both have systems in place to keep residents updated during emergencies.
1. Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
• VBAlert (Virginia Beach): This system sends out emergency notifications via phone, text, or email. It alerts you to severe weather, evacuation orders, and other critical information.
• Chesapeake Alert: Similar to VBAlert, this system provides real-time notifications about disasters and emergency conditions in Chesapeake.
2. NOAA Weather Radio
A battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio will provide constant updates on severe weather, even if the power goes out. Keep one in your emergency kit and tune it to the appropriate frequency for Virginia Beach or Chesapeake.
3. Local News and Social Media
Monitor local news stations and official city social media accounts for the latest updates on evacuation routes, shelter openings, and road conditions.
Step 6: Practice Your Plan
Having an escape route and emergency kit is only helpful if you know how to use them. It’s important to practice your plan before a disaster occurs, especially if you have mobility issues or need assistance.
1. Practice Packing and Leaving
Practice packing your emergency kit and loading it into your vehicle. Time how long it takes and make adjustments to your plan if needed. If you rely on others for transportation, communicate with them ahead of time to coordinate your evacuation process.
2. Run Through Your Route
Familiarize yourself with your evacuation route by driving it during non-emergency times. Note any potential challenges, such as roads prone to flooding or areas with heavy traffic, and consider alternative routes.
Final Thoughts
Seniors in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake can face serious risks from natural disasters, but having a well-thought-out escape route can help ensure your safety. By understanding your evacuation zone, choosing a safe destination, preparing an emergency kit, and staying informed, you can reduce the risks associated with hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters.
Taking these steps now will give you confidence and peace of mind, knowing that you are prepared to evacuate quickly and safely when the time comes.
Contact BrightStar Care® of Chesapeake & Virginia Beach
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Contact us today to learn more about our caregiving services! Our office is located at 816 Greenbrier Circle, Ste 208 Chesapeake, VA 23320 You may also call us at 757-227-4047. We look forward to hearing from you!