November 13, 2009

Food Preservation / Flood Clean-up

With power outages throughout the community food preservation is of utmost importance. Perishable food should not be held above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 2 hours. When power is out, keeping the refrigerator and freezer doors shut will keep the contents cold longer. A freezer that is half full will remain frozen for up to 24 hours and a full freezer for 48 hours if the door remains closed. For more information on food preservation visit www.hampton.gov/eoc/emergency_preparedness.html

Properly cleaning your home after flood water has receded is extremely important. The potential for mold growth can threaten the safety of those in the home. For more information on cleaning after a flood, citizens can visit www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html

Hampton schools and courts will be closed on Friday, November 13.

Residents that did not have their trash/recycling picked up on Thursday, November 12 will have it picked up on Friday if conditions allow. Residents who have trash pickup on Friday will keep to their normal schedule as weather conditions allow.

There are many traffic lights that are out around the city. Citizens are reminded to come to a four way stop at all intersections without working traffic signals.

A Flood Watch is in effect through Saturday, November 14 at 6:00 p.m. The approaching new phase of the moon in tandem with a persistent northeast flow is keeping water trapped in the bay. Residents should be alert for rising waters through Saturday and proceed with caution. High tides in Hampton for Friday are at 5:58 a.m. and 6:20 p.m.

Citizens are encouraged to call 311 in Hampton (727-8311 outside of Hampton or from a mobile phone), and receive e-mail updates by signing up for eNews at www.enews.hampton.gov.

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Media Contacts: Dianne R. Foster, Public Information Officer, Rebecca Bolte, Public Communications Manager