News Flash

July 20, 2018 – The Emergency Management Office wants to make sure residents are aware of their evacuation area through the “Know Your Zone” campaign. The campaign was adopted late last year after a new evacuation system for coastal areas was adopted.

In a major storm or other disaster, residents should pay attention to the local news and the city’s social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Nextdoor) for evacuation information and updates. In addition, a mass notification system, Everbridge, sends a message to residents’ phones and advises them if they need to evacuate.

The Emergency Management Office will begin to mail out specific evacuation zone magnets to Hampton households and apartment residents later this month and early August.

Emergency Management Coordinator Hui-Shan Walker hopes this campaign encourages residents to secure a disaster plan that includes pets, and disaster supply kit with important documents and medication. She also encourages homeowners to have flood insurance even if it is not required.

Households that don’t receive a magnet by the end of the campaign are encouraged to contact Hampton’s Citizen Contact Center at 3-1-1 (using a landline) or 757-727-8311 (from a cell phone or from outside Hampton).

Know Your Zone information is also available on the city’s website and from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. Just go online and type in your address to learn your zone.