NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – As city crews were preparing for the Hurricane Isaias, people were getting their homes ready.
It was an all-hands-on-deck approach at the Vanevery household in Menchville.
“We just went around and cleaned up the yard, made sure that anything that could blow away couldn’t blow away,” said Richard Vanevery.
Whether it was putting things in the garage or throwing things in the shed, this family isn’t taking any chances preparing for the storm. They’re also prepared if the power goes out.
“Lanterns in the house, gas powered, flash lights, battery chargers for our phone,” said Melissa Vanevery.
Newport News Fire Chief Jeff Johnson is anticipating a busy night.
"The power lines coming down, tree limbs coming down. I'm hoping we have none, but it's very possible to see those larger trees fall onto homes,” said Chief Johnson.
He wants people to stay inside their homes and not to take matters into their own hands.
Related: Franklin residents, officials prepare for Isaias
"People typically when their power has gone out want to go out with a flash light to see the damage to their home. That's one of the worst things they can do."
He says you could walk into a live power line.
Leaders are also warning people who have generators. They say it’s best to keep it far away from the house and garage.
Over on the Denbigh side of town, people were tying down their boats.
“Storms can be problematic, and you got to be prepared,” said Dwight Wolf.
Wolf has experience with storms in this area. He’s lived on the river for almost 30 years.
“Trees falling, damaging houses as a result of the trees, but typically that’s all that it’s been,” he adds.
Newport News officials are continuing to monitor Isaias, and residents are encouraged to monitor weather reports, stay informed and make plans to keep themselves and their families safe.
For city alerts, residents are asked to sign up for NNALERT. Click hereto register.
Click here for more local hurricane resources and information.
