March 15 was Tornado Preparedness Day across the Country, but we know that we in Virginia Beach will probably not be hit by one. Well, except for the one that hit Suffolk and the water spout that was sighted in the Chesapeake just off the beach near the Lesner Bridge. My point, we don’t think we will be impacted because most of us do not have a personal experience with one of these events, BUT this area has come close. Should we also think that a hurricane will probably not hit us here? We might want to reconsider that line of thought. I am not a weather man, but realize that the U.S. has had a very rough winter and we should most likely expect an equally rough summer. What would it take to have a simple level of preparedness? A simple kit might have three days of food and water, basic first aid kit, and some emergency supplies, all kept in a closable plastic container for easy carrying. And the MOST important part of your emergency kit? Your Family Emergency Plan. More about that next month.
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The recent tornadoes that devastated many cities and towns in the SE U.S were the most intense levels that you can experience at EF5 (Enhanced Fujita) level 5 with winds over 200 mph. Very few structures can survive in such winds and definitely not wooden or brick veneer type. My point, ONLY having a plan and knowing where to go quickly will give you a potential margin for safety. You may not survive in your car. Above ground structures will not survive. Now that hurricane season is coming (1 June), I would expect an equally difficult year. Why do I say that? It has to do with the water vapor level in the atmosphere and the latent energy that water vapor releases in the atmosphere when it condenses into rain. The energy mechanism that creates tornadoes is the same energy process that develops hurricanes when it forms over the warm oceans. This could be a tough year. Develop a plan with your family. Start stocking up on supplies. Virginia’s Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is May 25-31. Go to http://www.ReadyVirginia.gov to find an excellent source of information for hurricane planning, supply list, flood zones, and evacuation routes.