Emergency Resources

I am often contacted by constituents who need emergency assistance due to a crisis or natural disaster. It is absolutely vital to be prepared to take shelter from storms and flooding or to evacuate to safety during every hurricane season. Below is a list of state and federal government agencies and organizations that can help folks in need.

In case of an emergency, always call 911.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to call our offices.

Washington D.C: (202) 225-4261

Glen Allen: (804) 401-4120

Tappahannock: (804) 443-0668

Yorktown: (757) 527-6270

Tips to prepare for hazardous weather:

Know your zone. Evacuation may become necessary depending on the track and severity of a storm. Review Virginia’s evacuation zones at knowyourzoneVA.org. Users can enter their physical address in the search bar of the website to view and confirm their designated evacuation zone.
Complete a family communication plan. Prepare for how you will assemble and communicate with your family and loved ones. Identify meeting locations and anticipate where you will go. Federal Emergency Management Agency guidance on family communications plans is available here.
Check your insurance coverage. There may be a waiting period (typically 30 days) for a flood insurance policy to become effective. Be aware that not all storm-related losses, such as flooding, are covered under traditional policies. Now is the time to review your coverage and contact your insurance agent for any changes. If you are not insured against floods, talk to your insurance agent or visit floodsmart.gov. If you are a renter, now is the time to ensure you have adequate coverage to protect your belongings.
Make an emergency kit. Assemble an emergency kit that includes nonperishable food, water, medication, sanitary supplies, radios, extra batteries, and important documents. Click here to learn more about building an emergency supply kit.
Stay informed. Identify where to go for trusted sources of information during emergencies. Check with your local emergency management office to sign up for alerts that go directly to your phone or email. Be sure to monitor local news for watches and warnings in your area and follow directions of local officials. Power outages are always a concern during weather events – make sure you have a battery-operated radio available so you can still receive life-saving alerts.

There are many resources available to assist with hurricane planning efforts. For more information on preparing for hurricanes and other natural disasters, visit the links below.

Resources:

Disaster Assistance from FEMA

The Official Website of Virginia

Emergency Preparedness | VA Department of Health

Latest Hurricane Forecasts

Hurricane Guide

Latest Virginia Road Closures

Hurricane Preparedness Guide

Avoiding Hurricane and Flood Damage

How to Build a Disaster Preparedness Kit

Preparing for a Flash Flood

Know Your Evacuation Zone | Virginia Emergency Management Division