Know Your Zone-Evacuation

Know When to Evacuate

The City of Norfolk implements the Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s Know Your Zone program.  All residences and businesses in the City of Norfolk are either in Zone A, B, or C. When a storm approaches, City Officials will issue an evacuation notice for the affected zones at risk from life-threatening conditions. 

If an evacuation notice is issued, information will be distributed through all City of Norfolk messaging channels, including Norfolk Alert. Evacuation notices are issued for your safety- take them seriously! 

Steps to Take Now

• Know Your Zone: Find your evacuation zone. If you need assistance, please call Norfolk CARES at 757-664-6510.
• Know Where You Will Go: The best place to evacuate is the safest place closest to home, preferably with family or friends. Use the evacuation map or this interactive tool to identify places you could go. Depending on the storm and the evacuation orders, you may not need to leave the city. You may just need to leave Zone A for a location in a safer spot, such as Zone B or C, which may not be in an evacuation order.  If needed, emergency shelters will be open, but these are bare minimum facilities, so be prepared to bring what you need.
• Sign Up To Be Notified: Norfolk will use all available means to notify people of an evacuation, but the best way to get the message is to register for the City’s notification system, Norfolk Alert. Registering ensures that you are notified directly in the way you prefer and receive updates after the storm has passed.
• Obtain Flood Insurance: Homeowners' insurance does not cover flood damage from natural disasters. Visit FloodSmart for more information.
• Read the Virginia Hurricane Evacuation Guide (PDF)
• Create an emergency supply kit

During An Evacuation

• Before you evacuate your home, secure your home by securing outdoor furniture, removing debris that could blow around, trimming branches/trees, cleaning drain systems, and moving vehicles to higher ground. 
• Notify an out-of-town contact about your plans
• Keep your car fueled and ready
• Leave early enough to avoid traffic and dangerous weather
• Secure your home by closing interior doors and locking outside doors and windows
• Unplug electrical equipment
• Check with neighbors who may need help

Two Types of Evacuation

• Mandatory Evacuation: Are just that; you must evacuate. If you choose to stay, you do so at your own risk. Should you choose to stay, please keep in mind that emergency responders may or may not be able to get to you due to the conditions at the time.
• Voluntary Evacuation: Citizens may choose to leave at any time when voluntary evacuations are ordered or when they feel it necessary.