It’s not a favorite season of Virginia Beach residents, but one must always remain vigilant in late summer and early fall when hurricanes are mostly likely to touch down in the Mid-Atlantic coast. Once in a great while Virginia Beach and Norfolk are deluged by heavy-duty winds and rain from a Category 5 storm, and often we receive residual bad weather from tropical storms. During this time people prepare safety kits and escape routes in the event they must evacuate, and if you must do the same thing this year make sure you take care of your home’s plumbing, too.
In a hurricane, everything can be affected. Oftentimes we worry about latching down patio furniture or bringing in anything that can fly away, but we’re willing to bet the plumbing is the last thing on your mind as you safeguard your home. It’s understandable – pipes aren’t always exposed, so they can’t be harmed in high winds, right?
Not necessarily. Depending on where you live, your water supply can be affected. After Hurricane Isabella struck, many residents in Virginia Beach were left without running water for a few weeks! While it might not happen every time, you want to be certain of a few things as you ride out a storm.
Firstly, it’s important to NEVER make use of any plumbing during a bad storm, if you are home. You don’t know the impact of the weather in your area, and it’s best not to invite anything bad into your home, especially through the pipes if there is heavy lightning outside. If you live in a susceptible area, keep plenty of bottled water on hand for drinking and washing. After a storm, it’s a good idea to contact the city’s Public Utilities Department to determine if the water is safe to use.
When you know a storm is imminent, close the water supply valve coming into your house. There is always the chance the water in your area could become contaminated during the hurricane, and doing this isolates the water in your taps.
The more you know about hurricane preparedness in relation to your plumbing, the safer you and your family will be afterward. Don’t forget to contact Atomic Plumbing for all of your plumbing needs in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, or Chesapeake, regardless of the weather.
