On May 20, 2015, by proclamation, Governor McAuliffe declared May 25-31, 2015 as Hurricane Preparedness Week and encouraged Virginia residents to prepare for this year’s hurricane season, set to begin on June 1st. (Read the Proclamation HERE.) However, Mother Nature provided an object lesson for being ever vigilant. Tropical Storm Ana, the first named storm of the 2015 season, formed off the coast of South Carolina May 8, almost a month before the official start of the season.

The Governor and the State and local emergencies officials want all Virginians to understand how hurricane hazards such as storm surge, flooding, high winds, and tornadoes can affect their homes and communities and to make proper arrangements to protect themselves and their property. One such suggestion is to develop a family emergency plan for when storms threaten. This plan should include creating an emergency kit with items such as water, non-perishable food, emergency supplies and a self-powered radio. The State of Virginia is helping preparations by observing an annual Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday May 25-31 for emergency supplies. (For more information on the tax holiday, read an earlier article HERE.)

For more information about preparing for hurricane season visit www.readyvirginia.gov or for more localized information, www.readyhamptonroads.org.