Hurricane Matthew Update 10-14-16 @ 11am

Team Norfolk,

We’re expecting three teams to arrive this afternoon with representatives from VDEM, FEMA and the Small Business Administration (SBA).  To be joined by local city staff, they will be in the community to review and collect information on damages to personal / commercial property as well as government infrastructure.  The strategy for areas to be visited will be informed by all reports of damage thus far in a discussion inclusive of the following departments/agencies: Risk Management, Emergency Management, Neighborhood Development, Public Works, Public Utilities, Planning, General Services, Geographic Information Services (GIS), Norfolk Public Schools and Operation Blessing.

Please find attached map showing a culmination of hotspots as reported by initial damage assessment teams and entered into Norfolk’s STORM program.

Note: while calculating damages, every effort must be made to incorporate insurance coverage so it may be subtracted from damage amount.

Messaging to the community about this process is imperative:

·         First they need to know teams are going out to collect information critical to the Governor making a request for a Presidential Declaration and city staff with appropriate city identification will accompany these damage assessment teams.

·         There is no set threshold for Individual Assistance and certainly no guarantee this assistance will be available.  No promises made other than Team Norfolk is doing everything possible to capture the information and articulate the story.  Whatever assistance becomes available, if any, the message will go out immediately.

·         Lastly, huge thanks to Operation Blessing for the herculean effort they have undertaken to pair up those with unmet needs and those willing to assist.  THEY NEED YOUR HELP!  Again, anyone with unmet needs are encouraged to call 757-793-1837.  If you feel led to volunteer to assist those who are a little more vulnerable, under-resourced or just need a helping hand, please call 757-284-9183.  VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!!!

 One last note to share a story of compassion and resilience:

Woman and her son had attended our August ’16 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class.  When she learned a friend of hers (and softball teammate) needed help after Hurricane Matthew, she went into action.  Instead of regular softball practice, she got the team together, named the “Norfolk Dropping bombs”, and they reported to their teammate’s house to help her and her 2 children. The teammate in need is a military spouse whose husband is deployed. Her children are young: a 7 year old son with a hearing impairment and a 3 year old son who happens to have autism. Because her house had flood damage, the team rented a storage unit for 3 months and a U-Haul to transport her items.  All the while the daughter of the team manager kept the children entertained.

Community Resilience.

Thanks!

Jim

Director, Norfolk EOC
James.redick@norfolk.gov