Virginia Department of Emergency Management

10501 Trade Court, Richmond, VA 23236

CONTACT:
Bob Spieldenner, VDEM, (804) 897-6510
bob.spieldenner@vdem.virginia.gov

FOR RELEASE AT WILL- Aug. 30, 2010

Virginians Need to Prepare for Hurricane Earl
Videos explaining storm surge, hurricane evacuation now online

RICHMOND, VA – Virginians need to prepare now for Hurricane Earl, which is forecasted to be a Category 3 or 4 hurricane as it approaches Virginia’s coast later this week.

The forecasted path for Earl has changed several times so it is important for Virginians, especially those living in the Hampton Roads region, to pay close attention to the storm. Those in Hampton Roads should review their evacuation and shelter plans. Also, people should make sure they have their emergency supplies ready.

'A small change in Earl's forecasted path could bring a major hurricane to Virginia,' said Michael Cline, state coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. 'Virginia state agencies are getting ready for the storm, and so should residents.'

The Commonwealth has activated the Virginia Evacuation Coordination Team for Operational Response to assess Earl’s potential impact and to take necessary actions. The Virginia Emergency Operations Center is now at Increased Readiness Condition.

VDEM and the Virginia Department of Transportation have created a series of online videos to help families understand storm surge (the reason for large-scale evacuations), and how an evacuation would work. The videos are available at http://www.youtube.com/vaemergency.

A list of needed emergency supplies and maps of storm surge areas and evacuation routes can be found at http://www.ReadyVirginia.gov.