Come Home to Norfolk

Good afternoon, Team Norfolk!

This email is to serve as a reminder we are now officially entering the 2018 hurricane season.  In fact, as we do every June 1, Team Norfolk Emergency Operations has entered into Hurricane Readiness Condition 5 which means now is the time to review City Policy 5.3: Emergencies and Closings, the Team Norfolk Emergency Operations and Resilience Framework (specifically the Basic Plan and the Tropical Storm / Hurricane / Nor’Easter Hazard-Specific Annex) and internal departmental standard operating procedures (SOP’s).  These materials help establish how we can all effectively work as a team: Team Norfolk.

To further instill an effective and proactive unity of effort, this season there will be a heavier emphasis on the use of the National Incident Management System as well as the Incident Command System.  If you haven’t already, or it has been more than a few years, please complete the following free FEMA online independent study courses: IS-700.A: National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction and IS-100.B: Introduction to Incident Command System, ICS-100.  In-class training will also be offered in the very near future.

Here are a few additional steps toward ensuring preparedness:

• For City of Norfolk staff, please also take a moment to ensure your emergency contact information is up to date in PeopleSoft and discuss expectations within your department.
• Please register (and encourage others to register) for Norfolk Alert, available at www.norfolk.gov/emergency or by calling Norfolk IMPACT Center at 664-6510.
• Please spread the word about Know Your Zone!  To find out which evacuation zone you may be in, simply visit www.knowyourzoneva.org.
• Please make plans for your loved ones, talk with your children about hurricane safety and include them in your preparedness efforts, particularly if you will be called on to support the response and recovery efforts.
• Please reach out to those in your neighborhood who may need a helping hand to prepare.
• It would also be prudent to get an insurance check-up.  Remember, standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, you’ll need a separate policy for it and it’s available through your company, agent or the National Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov.  Act now as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.  More information on insurance can be found at http://flash.org/pdf/ActuarialFoundationInsuranceGuideEnglish.pdf.  Also, FloodSmart.gov has an excellent calculator tool to show how much loss you could experience for various flood levels.

There are also a few preparedness-related special events of note:

• This morning Norfolk Fire-Rescue formally announced the PulsePoint app is now available here in Norfolk!  If you would like to be able to assist through the app but do not know CPR, they have you covered there too – simply call Norfolk Cares at 664-6510 to schedule a Hands-Only CPR class!
• Tonight night is our annual Preparedness Night with the Norfolk Tides where emergency managers and planners will be on the concourse answering questions and passing out preparedness tips and materials throughout the game.    
• Tomorrow (Saturday) from 10am-1pm is Public Safety Day at Target (1245 N. Military Highway) which will include free lunch, first responder displays, safety programs, bounce house and face painting, food, and giveaways!

To conclude, like every other year, much has been said about this season’s forecast.  One thing is certain: in any such seasonal forecast there is never any correlation as to where those storms will make landfall and at what intensity.  It only takes one storm to make it a bad season.  As such, it is important we take steps now to prepare our community, ourselves and our loved ones.

Thank you and please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have!

Sincerely,

Jim Redick
Director, Norfolk EOC