The Virginia State Police are advising all motorists to Drive to Save Lives with the pending rain forecasted for later today and coming days…and additional potential for flooding:

• Use your headlights! State law requires headlights on when windshield wipers are activated. Plus, the headlights make you more visible to other drivers when visibility is limited in a heavy downpour.
• Slow your speed to safely navigate inclement road and weather conditions.
• Turn Around. Don’t Drown. – Never drive through standing water. What looks like a puddle can be deep and swift-moving water, so don’t risk it. Turn around and find another, safer route to your destination.
• Always buckle up.
• Never drive distracted.
• Dial 511 for Road Conditions. Reserve 911 and #77 for emergencies calls only.
• ~ Virginians should make plans to stay safe in case of increased flooding, Hurricane event ~ RICHMOND – Heavy rain caused flooding in parts of southwest Virginia and impacted 138 roads across the Commonwealth yesterday. Widespread flooding and expected rain from several weather systems, including the potential landfall of Hurricane Joaquin through the weekend could cause additional impacts statewide and hamper travel. Governor McAuliffe urges Virginians to prepare for hurricane-like impacts with these approaching storms as state personnel prepare to take emergency action, as necessary, to protect life and property. Get Ready
  • Download the free Ready Virginia app for iPhone® and Android™, which features a customizable emergency plan, a checklist for gathering emergency supplies and an “I’m Safe!” feature that allows you to quickly send a text message to let family and friends know you are safe.
  • Decide how and where everyone will meet up with each other if separated.
  • Choose an out-of-town emergency contact for your family and give that person’s phone number to each family member.
  • Sign up for text alerts/weather warnings that may be offered by your locality.

   Prepare for flooding

  • Know the weather terms and what you should do:
    • Flood Watch or Flash Flood Watch: There is an increased possibility of flooding or a flash flood in your area.
    • Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will likely occur very soon. If emergency officials advise you to evacuate, do so immediately.
    • Flash Flood Warning: Flash flooding is occurring. Seek higher ground immediately – don’t wait for official instructions.
  • Be prepared to evacuate. If evacuated, don’t return to your home until local officials say it is safe.  After floodwaters recede, roads could be weakened and could collapse. Buildings might be unstable, and drinking water might be contaminated.
  • Use common sense and look for information. If water is rising quickly or you see a moving wall of mud or debris, immediately move to higher ground.
  • Do not walk through moving water. Look for areas where the water is not moving. What might seem like a small amount of moving water can easily knock you down.

  Drive safely

  • Know the road conditions before you travel. Go to www.511Virginia.org or dial 511 from any phone for real-time traffic information and road condition reports.
  • Do not drive into flooded areas. If your vehicle becomes surrounded by rising water, get out quickly and move to higher ground, if possible.
  • Flood water might cut off access to roads. Be prepared to stay where you are until floodwaters recede.

  Stay informed

  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and your local media to know when flood watches and warnings are issued.
  • More flood preparedness information is available at www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/stayinformed/floods.

  Other resources

  • If you need help, information or resources during or after the storm, call 211. Those with hearing impairments can call 711 to connect to the Virginia Relay Center for assistance with the call. Videophone users may dial 1-800-230-6977.
  • www.vaemergency.gov – go online or on your smart phone for statewide storm updates
  • @vdem – Twitter feed for storm updates from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management
  • VAemergency – Facebook page for VDEM