The Charlottesville-UVa-Albemarle Emergency Operations Center released a statement regarding precaution and procedure for the east coast hurricane, Sandy, hitting Virginia tonight. With winds up to 35 mph and the possibility of 3 inches of rain, Charlottesville could expect some of Hurricane Sandy’s wrath. Read the emergency press release below for more information about the upcoming storm.
DATE: October 28, 2012
CONTACT: Kirby Felts, Emergency Management Coord.
Phone (434) 971-1263, cell (434) 227-9061
kfelts@albemarle.org
Charlottesville-UVa-Albemarle Emergency Operations Center to Open at 0800 Monday
City, County and University officials met today to discuss preparations and response strategies to support the community as Hurricane Sandy slowly moves past Virginia Monday and Tuesday. The regional Emergency Operations Center will open at 0800 Monday, October 29, 2012 with a Level 1 activation which unifies public safety response efforts. Conditions will deteriorate this evening with our area experiencing sustained winds of 20-35 mph with higher gusts, 1-3 inches of rain, and a potential for flooding through Tuesday. Power outages are likely. As a reminder, finish gathering supplies for an extended weather event, including flashlights and extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, food that does not need refrigeration and one gallon of water per person per day. Other important items are a first aid kit and medications, car phone charger, blankets and other supplies.Local officials want to remind the public to be vigilant during this time.· Stay tuned to local TV, radio stations and government websites for instructions and information.· Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies. Non-emergency questions can be directed to 977-9041.·
If power is out, call your power company to report it:
o Dominion Power: 1-866-366-4357
o Central Virginia Electric Coop: 1-800-367-2832
o Rappahannock Electric Coop: 1-800-552-3904
o Appalachian Power: 1-800-956-4237
· Use flashlights, not candles.
· Carbon monoxide is a silent killer; do not bring generators into the house or use camp stoves and lanterns without ventilation. Any of these can cause deadly buildup of carbon monoxide.
· Use extreme caution going outside. Be alert for downed power lines, broken glass, and damage to buildings,streets and bridges. Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle County Emergency Communications Center 2306 Ivy Road Charlottesville, Virginia 22903 News ReleaseFor Immediate Release
· Treat all fallen wires and anything touching them as though they are energized and stay away from them.
· Traveling on area roads through Tuesday could be hazardous because of heavy rain and wind gusts; delay travel until unsafe weather conditions have passed. If you must travel, check road conditions before heading out by calling 511 or visiting www.511virginia.org.
· Watch for closed roads. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road: Turn Around, Don’t Drown· Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed as long as possible to maintain the cold temperature.
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