Saturday, June 1, is the start of the Atlantic hurricane season. During Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 5-11), the City of Alexandria encourages all residents to be prepared for any emergencies that may arise.
Hurricanes and tropical storms are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena, affecting both coastal and inland areas. Each year, much of the U.S. experiences heavy rains, strong winds, floods, and coastal storm surges from tropical storms and hurricanes. The Atlantic Coast is vulnerable to tropical systems and has experienced hurricanes in previous years.
Tips to Prepare for Hurricane Season
- Know your hurricane risk and take appropriate steps to prepare accordingly. The City's hurricane preparedness web page is a good starting point.
- Plan for what you’ll do in the event of a hurricane. Know where you can go and know how to contact your family.
- Sign up for emergency alerts and know where to get the latest information. Connect with Alexandria’s official outlets: sign up for eNews and follow the Department of Transportation & Environmental Services and the Office of Emergency Management on social media.
- Follow the guidance of your local officials and stay tuned to weather forecasts (such as those from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) for updates.
- Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect and protect the life you've built. Homeowners insurance policies do not cover flooding. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program.
- Download the Federal Emergency Management Agency app to receive weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.
For more information, check out the additional resources below:
- Virginia Floodplain Management Program
- Hurricane Preparedness Guide
- When a Disaster Strikes: What to Do After an Insured Homeowners Loss (PDF)
- When a Disaster Strikes: What to Do After an Insured Commercial Loss (PDF)
- National Weather Service Hurricane Preparedness
- Ready.gov Hurricane Preparedness
- floodsmart.gov
For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Anna McClure at anna.mcclure@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3146, Virginia Relay 711.
If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you. Please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.
Alexandria at 275: Connecting to our past to define a brighter future.
Since its 1749 founding, the historic city of Alexandria has played a major role in our nation’s story and reflected its progress toward inclusivity. Join us at events from April through September as we mark Alexandria's 275th anniversary and embark on the next chapter in our city’s vibrant history at alexandriava.gov/ALX275.