Are you prepared for disaster? State emergency officials are renewing their efforts to get you ready for anything that could come our way.
Virginia saw almost everything in 2011. We didn't see much snow here in southwest Virginia. But folks in Washington, DC there saw more than a foot of snow in late January. Then, there was a deadly outbreak of tornadoes in our area back in April. Eight people died in that severe weather, and there was widespread damage.
Not many of us ever thought we'd feel an earthquake rumbling under our feet, but we got a taste of an earthquake in August. The magnitude 5.8 temblor was centered in Mineral, Virginia. Thankfully there were no major injuries related to the earthquake. However, some monuments in Washington, DC suffered damage. There were also several buildings near the earthquake's epicenter that were cracked in the quake.
Hurricane Irene left a mark on the Virginia coastline. The storm left damage as far west as Richmond in late August. Folks in the Commonwealth were told to prepare for the Irene days before she hit. At one point, millions of Virginians were without power as the storm made its way up the coast.
With all of these disasters that took us by storm in 2011, the Virginia Department of Emergency Mangement is asking that you be prepared in 2012. They're a part of a new nationwide campaign called Resolve to be Ready.
"There have been more billion-dollar natural disasters in the U.S. during 2011 than any year on record, and we have seen our share of grief throughout Virginia," said Michael Cline, the state coordinator of emergency management, in a press release. "All of these events remind us that disasters can happen anytime and anywhere."
Disaster officials recommend keeping enough canned food and bottled water in your home to last you three days. That means having a manual can opener, too. Also have a First Aid Kit, and flashlights with extra batteries.
To find out more about the Resolve to be Ready campaign, including a list of resources to get prepared in 2012, click here.
