Property owners are encouraged to think seriously about how they will deal with the next severe storm.  General guidance is available from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management website.  It will give you, among other things, information on preparing a Disaster Supply Kit and a checklist of things to consider in an emergency.  See also a two-page pamphlet published by the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) on building your own Emergency Kit.

You should print out the information you’re reading now as well as any other sources you find useful and keep them in your Disaster Supply Kit.  Do it NOW as you will probably not have internet service during a storm.  

Know the Difference

A Hurricane WATCH means hurricane conditions are possible in the watch area, usually within 36 hours.

A Hurricane WARNING means hurricane conditions are expected in the warning area, usually within 24 hours.

Specific Guidance for Mallard Bay Property Owners

If local authorities order evacuation, do so.  Your life is worth far more than any property you leave behind.

If no evacuation has been ordered, and you plan to sit out the storm in Mallard Bay:

Contact Property Manager Dolf Wais or Sam McKinney and advise them of your plans.  They will maintain a list of people actually on site during a storm and serve as points of contact for information.  This list is very important as it will enable them to:

Avoid wasting time attempting to contact people who are not in Mallard Bay.

Know for whom they and rescue personnel should look in the event of a catastrophe.

Know who is here in the event they need to request assistance.

Be prepared for requests from Dolf and Sam to assist in securing property of neighbors who are not on-site.

If you have a boat in the water, consider removing it.

Keep cell phones charged.

Insure your house is equipped with at least one wired telephone instrument.  Even if there is an electrical power failure, this phone is powered from the telephone line and might continue to function.

Keep Dolf and Sam advised of conditions including water levels, downed trees and electric lines, damage to buildings and medical emergencies.

Monitor local radio stations.  Service will depend on availability of electrical power to the transmitter.

101.7 - Bay FM, Kilmarnock

104.9 – WIGO, White Stone

105.5 – WRAR, Tappahannock - In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Isabel, this was the only local station on the air.

88.9 – WCVE, PBS Heathsville

If you plan NOT to be resident during the storm:

Contact Dolf Wais or Sam McKinney with requests for assistance in securing your house or boat.

After the storm, contact Dolf or Sam for information on damage.

During and after the storm the Mallard Bay web page will provide up-to-date information if possible, but don’t count on it.  Internet connectivity is usually an early casualty of rain and wind.

Useful Link

Virginia Department of Emergency Management

                                    This page was last updated:  Sunday, July 26, 2009