President Trump has approved the request by Virginia for a federal disaster declaration that will mobilize federal emergency response assets to pre-position resources for hurricane response in Virginia, and will allow Virginia to seek federal reimbursement for the significant cost of responding to and recovering from impacts caused by Hurricane Florence.
“We requested this federal declaration to bring additional federal resources for response and recovery efforts across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Northam. “This declaration will also help ensure we’re better able to respond to the effects of the storm. I appreciate the willingness of our federal partners to join in our coordinated emergency response efforts.”
Federal emergency declarations supplement state and local or Indian tribal government efforts in providing emergency services, such as the protection of lives, property, public health, and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.
Forecasts and data suggest that Hurricane Florence could have devastating impacts across Virginia, including storm surges, inland flooding, downed trees, and loss of power.
On Saturday, Governor Northam declared a state of emergency for Virginia, and on Monday he requested federal assistance and ordered mandatory evacuations of residents of Zone A, Virginia’s low-lying coastal areas in Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore. The governor has urged all Virginians to begin making storm preparations immediately.
Virginians should check their zone at knowyourzoneva.org, and can call 2-1-1 for information on their zone or local shelters.
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