Virginia: Programs by state

Virginia residents should plan for more than one storm threat: coastal and inland flooding from tropical systems, tornadoes that often occur from April through September, and occasional winter storms that can isolate parts of the state. Coastal Virginia also uses the official “Know Your Zone” evacuation system, while Virginians with disabilities or medical needs are advised to contact their local emergency management office about transportation, sheltering, and any local special-needs registry. ([vaemergency.gov](https://www.vaemergency.gov/threats/hurricanes/?utm_source=openai))

Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.

Official resources in Virginia

VDEM Prepare

Virginia’s main preparedness hub for household plans, emergency kits, alerts, and hazard guidance. ([vdem.virginia.gov](https://www.vdem.virginia.gov/prepare/?utm_source=openai))

Know Your Zone

Lets Coastal Virginia residents check whether they live in a hurricane evacuation zone and when evacuations would apply. ([vaemergency.gov](https://www.vaemergency.gov/hurricane-evacuation-zone-lookup/?utm_source=openai))

Individuals with Disabilities – VDEM

Preparedness guidance for people needing accessible transportation, assistive devices, medication planning, or help locating local special-needs support. ([vdem.virginia.gov](https://www.vdem.virginia.gov/prepare/disabilities/?utm_source=openai))

Local Emergency Managers Directory

Official directory to find your city or county emergency manager for local shelter, alert, and registry questions. ([lemd.vdem.virginia.gov](https://lemd.vdem.virginia.gov/Default.aspx?utm_source=openai))

VDH Public Preparedness Guidance

Virginia Department of Health guidance for older adults, people with disabilities, kits, hurricane planning, and shelter-readiness topics. ([vdh.virginia.gov](https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-preparedness/public-preparedness-guidance/?utm_source=openai))

Key facts for Virginia

Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with peak activity from mid-August to late October. ([vaemergency.gov](https://www.vaemergency.gov/threats/hurricanes/?utm_source=openai))
Virginia’s official coastal evacuation program serves about 1.25 million residents in Coastal Virginia. ([vaemergency.gov](https://www.vaemergency.gov/hurricane-evacuation-zone-lookup/?utm_source=openai))
Virginia guidance says tornadoes primarily occur from April through September, though they can happen any time. ([vaemergency.gov](https://www.vaemergency.gov/aem/plan-templates/approved-oeap-state-agency-template-july-2025.pdf?utm_source=openai))
VDEM says your locality may have a Special Needs Registry; residents should ask local authorities directly. ([vdem.virginia.gov](https://www.vdem.virginia.gov/prepare/disabilities/?utm_source=openai))
Virginia’s state-managed shelter plan includes accommodation needs such as hygiene, disability, comfort, and other access and functional needs. ([dss.virginia.gov](https://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/gs/oem/plans/2025_COVEOP_Support_Annex_4_State_Managed_Shelter_Plan.pdf?utm_source=openai))
2-1-1 Virginia serves as VDEM’s public inquiry number during disasters. ([dss.virginia.gov](https://www.dss.virginia.gov/research-and-planning/annual-statistical-report/community-and-volunteer-services/2-1-1-virginia-statewide-information-and-referral/?utm_source=openai))

What to do next

Use the Local Emergency Managers Directory to ask your county or city whether it keeps a special-needs registry or pre-disaster shelter/transportation list for residents with disabilities. ([lemd.vdem.virginia.gov](https://lemd.vdem.virginia.gov/Default.aspx?utm_source=openai))
If you live in Hampton Roads or another coastal locality, look up your evacuation zone now and save it with your insurance and medication list. ([vaemergency.gov](https://www.vaemergency.gov/hurricane-evacuation-zone-lookup/?utm_source=openai))
Build a 3-day kit that includes medications, assistive-device supplies, backup power/charging needs, and copies of prescriptions and IDs. ([vdem.virginia.gov](https://www.vdem.virginia.gov/prepare/disabilities/?utm_source=openai))

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