Governor Youngkin Encourages Virginians to Prepare Now for the 2024 Hurricane Season

As the Atlantic hurricane season officially begins, Governor Glenn Youngkin urges Virginians to prioritize preparedness and resilience in the face of potential storms. Last week, Governor Youngkin visited the Virginia Department of Emergency Management for a briefing on hurricane preparations. The season runs from June 1st through November 30th, so proactive measures are crucial to safeguarding lives and property.

“As we head into hurricane season, Virginians from every area of the Commonwealth need to be prepared, and I’m asking Virginians to have a plan, sign up for emergency alerts, and know your evacuation route,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Now is the time to prepare your families and property, check your insurance coverage, and identify those trusted sources of information that can help keep you safe.”

Governor Youngkin emphasized the importance of preparedness plans, emergency supply kits, and communication strategies. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, first responders, community organizations, and individual citizens are essential for effective disaster response and recovery.

“We cannot ignore the fact that storms that start in the lower Atlantic or Gulf States also have the potential to come north and cause significant damage to Virginia. This is why we encourage all Virginians across the Commonwealth to take the time to become prepared,” he added.

“As we embark on another hurricane season, it’s imperative that we stand ready, united, and prepared,” said Shawn Talmadge, State Coordinator at the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. “Our focus remains steadfast: ensuring the safety and resilience of our communities. Let’s make our plan, emergency kit, and stand together in the face of whatever storms may come our way.”

Critical Steps for Safety

1. Know your zone: Evacuation may be necessary depending on the storm’s track and severity. Review Virginia’s evacuation zones at KnowYourZoneVA.org.
2. Complete a family communication plan: Prepare for how you will assemble and communicate with your family. FEMA guidance on family communications plans is available here.
3. Check your insurance coverage: Review your policy to ensure it covers current home values and replacement costs. Consider flood insurance, which typically requires a 30-day waiting period to become effective.
4. Make an emergency kit: Include nonperishable food, water, medication, sanitary supplies, radios, extra batteries, and important documents. Learn more about building an emergency supply kit here.
5. Stay informed: Sign up for alerts from your local emergency management office, monitor local news for updates, and have a battery-operated radio for power outage situations.

For more information on preparing your family, business, and property against hurricane threats, visit vaemergency.gov/prepare and ready.gov/hurricanes.