PROPERTY MANAGEMENT BLOG

from the desk of Congresswoman Elaine Luria:

         (we appreciate her excellent guidance on this important issue!   Coastal Group Inc)

Dear Friend,

As we approach hurricane season, it is critical to create an emergency plan and familiarize yourself with available resources to keep you and your family safe. To learn how to prepare, read on.

• Know your zone. Evacuation may become necessary depending on the track and severity of the storm. You can review Virginia’s evacuation zones at KnowYourZoneVA.org. Users can enter their physical address in the search bar of the website to view and confirm their designated evacuation zone.
• Complete a family communication plan. Prepare for how you will assemble and communicate with your family and loved ones. Identify meeting locations and anticipate where you will go. Federal Emergency Management Agency guidance on family communications plans is available here.
• Check your insurance coverage. There may be a waiting period for a flood insurance policy to become effective and not all hurricane-related losses, such as flooding, are covered under traditional policies. Now is the time to review your coverage and contact your insurance agent for any changes. If you are not insured against floods, talk to your insurance agent, or visit floodsmart.gov. If you are a renter, ensure you have adequate coverage to protect your belongings.
• Make an emergency kit. Assemble an emergency kit that includes nonperishable food, water, medication, sanitary supplies, radios, extra batteries, and important documents. Learn more about building an emergency supply kit here.
• Stay informed. Identify trusted sources of information during emergencies. Check with your local emergency management office to sign up for alerts that go directly to your phone or email. Be sure to monitor local news for watches and warnings in your area and follow directions of local officials. Power outages are always a concern during weather events—make sure you have a battery-operated radio available so you can still receive life-saving alerts.

For more information on preparing your business, family, and property for hurricane season, please visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management website and Ready.gov. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also published helpful guidance on preparing for hurricanes during the COVID-19 pandemic, which you can find here.

Please know that my team and I stand ready to assist our community during this time of need. For resources to help you and your family navigate through COVID-19, please visit our website. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our offices via the phone numbers below.

Sincerely,

Elaine Luria