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Virginia's got a new hurricane/other disaster evacuation plan

There's a new way to learn about hurricane and other emergency/disaster risks and the associated need to evacuate from the Northern Neck and other coastal areas of the state: "Know Your Zone" (#KnowYourZoneVA).


The new campaign simplifies the information and advice residents get about hurricanes and other emergencies and disasters, specifically about evacuation. According to the governor's June 1 press release, Governor McAuliffe Urges Coastal Virginians to "Know Your Zone" For Safer Hurricane Evacuations (PDF), "The new evacuation zones were developed in coordination with local emergency managers by Atkins, a global engineering firm with deep experience designing hurricane evacuation plans for major metropolitan areas."

The new system uses the colors used by the National Hurricane Center. Using the NOAA color scheme is one way Virginia is simplifying the messages residents get about hurricanes.

Areas in blue are most at risk (Zone A). Zone B is green, Zone C is yellow, and Zone D is red. Areas in Zone D are at the least risk. This new system replaces the old one which featured locality-by-locality plans. The Virginia Pilot story New Virginia hurricane preparedness plans call for evacuation by zones quotes Jeff Stern, State Coordinator of Emergency management, Virginia Department of Emergency Management:
The old system was a patchwork of instructions, Stern says. Each of the 23 localities that make up Hampton Roads, Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula and the Eastern Shore had its own designations, so it was difficult to tell the entire region what was the best course of action.

More simply, "The zones are designated A through D and will provide residents with a better understanding of whether they should evacuate in an emergency or shelter at home, based on their street address and the nature of the emergency event." (Governor McAuliffe Urges Coastal Virginians to "Know Your Zone" For Safer Hurricane Evacuations)

Other important takeaways from the Pilot story:
  • "The goal is to move the most-vulnerable people away from major flooding caused by hurricanes. Others may be asked to shelter in place or move to higher elevations in the area."

  • "The zones, designated A through D, will provide residents a better understanding of what to do based on the nature of the event. Avoiding unnecessary evacuation travel will reduce traffic congestion, promote highway safety and lessen overcrowding at storm shelters."

  • "People without internet access are urged to contact their local emergency managers or call 211."

  • There are 1.2 million people in the four zones.
    • Zone A: 233,000
    • Zone B: 316,000
    • Zone C: 422,000
    • Zone D: 274,000

This is the second in a series of posts about threats and risks, especially during hurricane season.

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