The Gardens at Twin Hickory

If you live in a house or apartment in Richmond, VA, the Virginia Department of Health urges residents to take precautions as they work to recover from Hurricane Irene.

Hurricanes, especially if accompanied by a tidal surge or flooding, can contaminate the public water supply or residential wells. Contaminated drinking water or unrefrigerated foods may cause illness.

• Dispose perishable foods that have been without refrigeration for more than two hours. Fish, poultry, meat, eggs, milk and other dairy products, and leftovers are especially high risk.  When in doubt, throw it out.
• When power returns, inspect the food in your freezer. If there are still ice crystals in the package it is probably safe to refreeze.  Use a thermometer to check the temperature and if your freezer remained under 40 F, the food is probably safe to refreeze.  Otherwise, it is probably not safe.  When in doubt, throw it out.
• If you have medication that requires refrigeration but you lost power, check with the pharmacy on the label.  A pharmacist can advise you if it can still be used.
• Empty outdoor containers, tarps and other items around your home or apartment which create breeding sites for mosquitoes.  Use repellant when outside.
• Do not allow children to play in floodwater areas. Wash children's hands frequently (always before meals), and do not allow children to play with floodwater-contaminated toys that have not been disinfected.  You can disinfect toys using a solution of one cup of bleach in five gallons of water.
• Avoid using candles, especially around small children. Use battery-powered lamps and flashlights.

• Isle of Wight County: Rushmere Subdivision and Carrsville
• Hanover County: Spring Meadows and Meadow Gate
• King George County: Presidential Lakes Section 14
• Greensville County Water and Sewer Authority: Jarratt
• Southampton County: Drewryville

If you live in a home or apartment in Richmond, Virginia here's a great hurricane awareness check list  to look at.

Secure Your Home

• Put freestanding objects inside
• Plan for your pets. Make sure you have pet food, collar and leash and crates, if necessary
• Designate a safe room with no widows or exterior walls.

• Keep emergency phone numbers by the phone; include out-of-state contacts for family members.
• Assemble an emergency preparedness kit (enough supplies for three to five days) with bottled water (one gallon per person per day), battery-operated radio or TV with extra batteries, first aid kit, flashlight and packaged snacks. Remember to include baby supplies and food, manual can opener, hand sanitizer or wipes, and extra house and car keys.
• Gather all necessary prescriptions and medical supplies to take at a moment's notice.
• Place all important documents -- including your insurance policies -- in a waterproof bag to take with you. Include documents like wills, deeds, birth and tax records, and marriage certificate, proof of residence, home photos, and driver's license and vehicle registration. Include house and car keys
• Take cash and change
• Listen to media broadcasts, especially paying attention to any calls for evacuation
• Call 311 (Emergency Evacuation Assistance) if a family member needs special care.

• Flood and windstorm insurance are not automatically covered by renters insurance.
• Take photos of your home before the storm.
• Take camera to take photos of damage.