News Flash

We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions from our social and other media resources.

Where can I get sandbags?

• The city is not providing sandbags. Try hardware stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace, True Value). 

What if I lose power?

• Call Dominion Power at 866-366-4357 or go to dom.com, if possible, to report the outage and check status updates of the outages and of repair work. Dominion Power doesn't know about power outages unless people report them. Have flashlights and lanterns (with batteries) on hand. You can use candles, but do not leave them unattended. You can use a generator if you have one, but follow these tips. 

What if my property is damaged?

• The city collects damage information for reporting purposes. Call 311 (757-727-8311 from a cell phone or outside the area), in addition to your insurance company, to report storm damage. For more information, click this link on storm damage reporting, particularly related to fallen trees and flooding. You should call your insurance agent to file a claim. For more information, click this link on cleaning up and documenting damaged property for claims and reimbursement.

Evacuation of Zone A: What does it mean for Hampton?

• In Hampton, that area includes nearly 19,000 households. It is the area most likely to be hit with extremely high tides.

How do I know if I'm in the zone? 

• The city sent magnets showing residence’s designated zone this summer. If you don’t know your zone, you may be able to search your address at http://bit.ly/knowyourzoneva. However, the state site has been swamped with viewers and not been accessible much of Monday. Hampton residents can call 311 (727-8311). Hampton has a static map at: https://hampton.gov/DocumentCenter/View/23102/Hampton-Evacuation-Zones-2018
• Zone A is designated in blue on that map.

Where should I go?

• The governor specified that the evacuation was to get people out of the storm surge zones, since flooding is the primary cause of death in a hurricane. State officials urged people to get to higher ground. Some people may choose to stay with friends or family in the city or region who live in other zones, such as Zone C or D. Some people may choose to head farther inland.

What about public shelters?

• Shelters will be established only as an emergency and temporary means of caring for people who cannot find refuge elsewhere. Wherever you go, take provisions with you (bedding, food, medications, toys/activities for children). You do not pre-register for the shelter; you sign in when you arrive.
• Two city shelters opened on Tuesday, Sept. 11. They are at Phenix School and Bethel High School. Phenix is at 1061 Big Bethel Road. That shelter is designated for the general population, as well as those with particular medical needs. Residents with pets can go to adjacent Bethel High School at 1067 Big Bethel Road. (We will open additional shelters if these reach capacity.)
• If a resident needs transportation or assistance, call 311 (727-8311).

Are shelters only for those in Zone A? What about the elderly or those with medical needs?

• If you feel vulnerable, you can go to the shelter. That may include people at risk for flooding during heavy rainfalls, who live in trailers, or who must have electricity due to medical conditions (oxygen, etc.) If anyone requires transportation, please call 311 (727-8311 from a cell). We do urge you to move to the shelter today if you plan to move, as evacuations will be more difficult and less comfortable during high winds, rain or flooding.

Can I bring my pet(s) to the shelters?

• We don’t want you to leave your pets behind. Bethel High School is our animal-friendly shelter for Hampton residents (capacity is up to 150 pets, depending on size). Please bring cages or crates, pet food, leashes, medication, toys, bowls, anything your pet might need. We do have a few crates, but not enough for everybody. In the past we’ve had dogs, cats, rabbits, turtles, and birds.
  

Will I be arrested for not evacuating? 

• The decision to evacuate is yours. However, your decision to stay may be risky and you assume all risk as authorities may not be able to help or rescue. We encourage you to follow recommendations made by state and local officials.

If I leave, when can I come home? 

• City officials will not restrict the travel of anyone until the storm has hit and conditions would make it unsafe (such as downed trees and/or power lines, or if conditions exist that necessitate the protection of property to prevent looting or other illegal activity. Restriction of travel is an action of last resort. Watch hampton.gov/topnews for updates on when the order is lifted.

I evacuated out of Hampton Roads. How will I know when it’s safe to return to my home? 

• If you have left the area, keep an eye on hampton.gov/florence for updates. Once the governor rescinds the evacuation order, we will include information about that. You can also check local news online after the storm passes. Storm damage and flooding reports will make it clear when waters have receded enough to return home. Check Dominion Power at dom.com or 866-366-4357 to see if your home is in an area without power.

Is there a place to park a car I need to leave behind?

• The city parking garage on 555 Settlers Landing Road is available. There is also parking available on the third floor and ground floor of the garage at Peninsula Town Center. The second level is reserved for residents.

What about my home and belongings? Who will protect them? 

• Police will increase patrols in Zone A. They have requested additional support from the National Guard. If you leave your home, bring your most important documents with you in a safe container.

Why was trash service canceled for Thursday and Friday?

• The forecast still calls for tropical-force winds. That increases the risk that cans will tip over or trash will be carried away by winds while the toters are being tipped into trucks. That could put debris on streets, in ditches and blocking storm drains, increasing flooding for your neighborhoods. We will resume trash collection when it is safe.

Which events are canceled and which city offices are closed?

• Refer to the closings list being updated as needed: https://hampton.gov/closings. Go to hampton.gov/florence for storm updates.

What happens next?

• Watch for more information at hampton.gov/florence. Sign up for emergency alerts at hampton.gov/notifyme. Stay tuned to the city's social media.