The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season began Tuesday and Gloucester County Emergency Management officials are urging residents to focus on the many reasons they should include flood insurance in their hurricane preparedness plans.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center is predicting another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season.

“It only takes one storm to change your life and our community,” said Gloucester’s Emergency Management coordinator Brett Major. “We are often in the crosshairs of hurricanes and tropical storms here, so being prepared in a variety of ways is key.”

First, residents should know their risks and zones. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management has a tool to help residents find which evacuation zone they are in. This interactive tool, which advises residents on whether they should protect their properties with flood insurance can be found by visiting www.vaemergency.gov/hurricane-evacuation-zone-lookup.

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