Hurricane Irene Might Hit Northern Virginia Early Sunday

Hurricane Irene may strike Northern Virginia early Sunday morning. As the hurricane bypasses Florida, it will likely become a Category 4 hurricane before landing in the Carolinas early Saturday.

From then, the storm might quickly move to the Chesapeake Bay area, hitting Northern Virginia just before dawn on Sunday.

The exact path of the hurricane is still unclear; some experts believe it will remain over the ocean.

Prepare for severe weather and dangerous conditions along the Occoquan waterfront. The National Hurricane Center predicts possible high winds of 74-110 mph in the Northern Virginia area.

Make a family emergency plan. It is important to discuss with your family the protocol during an emergency. Make sure everyone is aware of the emergency contact numbers in your area and choose a family member with a long-distance number to check in with in case of separation; local phone lines are often jammed after an emergency. If you have a pet, make sure to bring them inside before the storm hits. Plan an evacuation route.

Record your personal belongings.  In the event of loss or damage, a visual or written record of your belongings (cars, collectibles, jewelry, etc) and home exterior will make insurance claims easier.

Stock up on essentials. Woodbridge hardware stores like Home Depot always carry emergency supplies including batteries, plywood and generators. It's important to have your vehicle full of gas in case an evacuation is issued.

Below are a few items you should include in your kit. For a full list, visit the CDC Emergency page.

• Water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Food (stock up on non-perishable items that you eat regularly)
• Medications (this includes prescription and non-prescription meds)
• Tools and Supplies (utility knife, duct tape, battery powered radio, etc.)
• Sanitation and Hygiene (household bleach, soap, towels, etc.)
• Clothing and Bedding (a change of clothes for each family member and blankets)
• Important documents (copies of your driver’s license, passport, and birth certificate to name a few)
• First Aid supplies (you can use these supplies to treat basic cuts and lacerations that you might get during a tornado or hurricane)

For more tips and a printable safety plan checklist, visit www.readyvirginia.gov.