Prepping for Tropical Storm Danny

PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Regardless of Tropical Storm Danny's track, the storm serves as a poignant reminder to the importance of being ready for the next severe storm that might come our way.

"We're at the peak of Hurricane season now and all our folks need to be aware of that," Battalion Chief Jeff Terwilliger, Deputy Coordinator Emergency Management, told WAVY.com. "We've identified evacuation zones, areas that we need to make sure that we evacuate folks out of."

Having already dealt with severe flooding due to heavy rains, Portmouth Emergency Officials know they need to prepare for storm surges that can cause much worse flooding.

"What we would look at here is the track of the storm and it's proximity to Virginia Beach," said Mark Marchbank, Director of Emergency Management of Virginia Beach.

At the Emergency Management Center, staffers have a plan in place should the weather call for officials there to take action.

"We want to be able to ramp up the city in an appropriate manner -- very basic things like public information, shelters if we need them. Public works will be a big factor in terms of dealing with flooding and possible debris," added Marchbank.

But emergency responders can only do so much. Chief Terwilliger says, "The number one person responsible for your safety is you."

Your action plan should address three key areas:

"We want them to get get informed. Understand what the risks are -- do they live in an area that's vulnerable? We want them to prepare a plan -- a plan for their families should they have to evacuate. And we also want them to have a kit -- a disaster kit where we have adequate supplies of water, food and nonperishable items," the chief said.

Officials say to do it now, and not wait for a storm to come ashore because there may not be time or adequate supplies once trouble arrives.