August 27, 2011

3:30PM

Deteriorating Storm Conditions Force City of Norfolk to Delay Police, Fire-Rescue Response

For Immediate Release

NORFOLK – The City of Norfolk expects to experience the full impact of Hurricane Irene before nightfall.   Updated weather reports show high tide will bring record flooding to parts of the area and those conditions are expected to last for several hours.

Rising waters may cause difficulty for fire-rescue personnel and police officers to reach certain parts of the city.  Residents are strongly urged to prepare themselves to ride out the storm at their current location.

“We have been preparing and warning residents that at some point this moment would come.  The time is now.” says City Manager Marcus D. Jones.

As of 2:30pm, more than five hundred residents have settled into seven shelters around the city.

City staff remains poised to assist in any way possible given the storm conditions.

For further updates, visit www.norfolk.gov, Facebook and Twitter

**

RC.

Here is an update from your Regional Red Cross

1. What the Red Cross is doing now

2. Tips for “Sheltering-in-Place,” and emotional health for the family while waiting out the storm

3. Letting your loved ones know you are safe: Registering at Red Cross SAFE and WELL

4. Red Cross Online

1.  Red Cross update:

The American Red Cross Coastal Virginia Region has assembled disaster response teams, supplies and equipment ready to mobilize into our Hampton Roads communities to provide disaster relief services when conditions improve following Irene.  Right now, the Red Cross is also supporting the operation of local government shelters.

We have volunteers and staff at two operation centers on the Southside and the Peninsula.  Disaster Management Teams are currently developing response strategies based on Irene’s effects. Red Cross responders, supplies and equipment from throughout Virginia and out of state are on alert to join the relief effort in Hampton Roads, as are the many  great partner relief organizations of the Red Cross

Red Cross East Coast update:

Throughout the Northeast, the Red Cross is ready for a massive response with thousands of trained volunteers ready to respond. Using over two hundred emergency response trucks, these relief teams are ready to distribute tens of thousands of meals, snacks and clean-up supplies into affected neighborhoods

2. Important Tips for “Sheltering-in-Place”

– Close and lock all doors and windows. Locking is preferred since it generally ensures that the door or window is shut tight.
– Close drapes, blinds and window shades

– Protect windows with pre-drilled plywood sheets.
– Keep flashlights and disaster kit within reach at all times
– Under severe wind conditions, go to a room in the center of your home with the fewest windows and doors.
– To make phone calls, if available, use your landline first.   Cell networks may be overwhelmed during an emergency.
– Do not call your local fire or police departments for information.   Emergency workers will need their lines for emergency use.
– Keep pets indoors. Make sure you have additional food and water supplies for them.
– Continue to monitor local Media and your Emergency Alert Station for official messages and instructions.

Your Emotional Health While Waiting Out the Storm

This is an important, yet often neglected subject. (Email pr@seva-redcross.org for the PDF.)

3. Red Cross SAFE and WELL

The Red Cross Safe and Well website helps people let friends and family know where they are as Hurricane Irene moves up the coast.  They can register for Safe and Well by going to www.redcross.org

Safe and Well is a secure and easy-to-use online tool that helps families connect during emergencies. You can also call a family member or friend who has internet access and ask them to register you.

4. Red Cross Online

Coastal VA Regional website with Irene info:  www.myredcross.net
Facebook:  American Red Cross of Southeastern Virginia

Twitter: RedCrossSeva

Red Cross National Website: www.redcross.org

Red Cross Disaster Online Newsroom:  http://newsroom.redcross.org/