Virginia · Preparedness Guide
Hurricanes on the coast, ice storms on the Appalachians, tornadoes in the Piedmont, and flooding along every river in between — sometimes in the same week.
About this guide
Virginia runs 430 miles from the Atlantic coast to the Kentucky border. The Tidewater and Hampton Roads region deals with hurricane surge, chronic flooding, and sea level rise. The Piedmont gets tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and summer drought. The Shenandoah Valley and Southwest Highlands face ice storms and isolated winter emergencies that can knock out roads for days. Northern Virginia adds the complexity of dense suburban infrastructure sitting on the Potomac flood plain. There is no single Virginia hazard profile — enter your ZIP to see what actually applies.
Local self-reliance starts with knowing your place.
Quick facts
Top hazards: Hurricanes & Flooding, Winter Storms & Ice, Tornadoes
VA has expanded Medicaid — adults up to 138% FPL may qualify
USDA hardiness zones: 5b (highlands) to 8a (Virginia Beach coast)
Unemployment: up to $430/week for 26 weeks
Free or low-cost soil testing available through the state extension service
Seven topics, one state
Each section focuses on one question. Find what you need without wading through what you don't.
Official maps and tools for flood, fire, earthquake, water, dam, river, and local hazard awareness.
Am I at risk? →
Find nearby courses, extension programs, and emergency training that build practical skills.
Where do I learn? →
Connect with local gatherings, neighbor-help efforts, civic groups, and community support networks.
What's happening near me? →
Find official alerts, emergency agencies, trauma centers, and crisis-response information near you.
Who do I call? →
Use local frost dates, planting zones, soil data, extension calendars, and composting guidance.
What can I grow? →
Find food, utility, health, unemployment, and 211 resources before hardship becomes crisis.
Where can I find help? →
Find your county transit provider, demand-response ride service, and carpool matching options.
How do I get around? →
Simple step-by-step preparedness checklists for your home, family, garden, documents, and local risks.
What do I do next? →
Get specific
Enter your ZIP code to see real-time weather alerts, drought conditions, FEMA disaster declarations, and county-level resources.
Next steps
Know your risks
Flood zones, hazard maps, and the VA risks that apply to your county.
Local Risk ReadinessBuild the basics
The universal first step — before you personalize, get the 72-hour foundation in place.
First 72 Hours