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When the wind blows - our severe weather policy
With Tropical Storm Isaias on a path to the Virginia coast, it seems like a great time to share our policy related to park closures and evacuations.
From the first hint that a hurricane or significant weather event is heading our way, Virginia Department of Emergency Management schedules conference calls for Federal, State and Local officials and major utility providers to discuss preparedness for the storm.
From our perspective, the safety of our visitors is of paramount concern and Virginia State Parks has an official policy that helps us decide when it is prudent to close our facilities and make our overnight and day guests leave the park.
We do not make the decision lightly. Our official policy related to Tropical Weather and storm events can be found here:
The State Parks Director or her designee shall order the closure of all facilities under the following conditions:
associated with a tropical cyclone
Administration (NOAA).
*Closure at this level of threat is done with the understanding that the public’s presence in a DCR site is far more discretionary than that of local residents. Compelling their departure at an earlier stage of a threat minimizes their potential to complicate or even add to the congestion associated with a general evacuation of an area at a later stage of the threat. Further, their early departure provides staff the opportunity to concentrate on safety of resident staff and their families and
facility protection.
Similar closure policies exist for river flooding and winter storms.
Our official call to close a park or facilities is the trigger for when we waive collection fees. Prior to that determination, guests are free to cancel using our standard cancelation policy. You can always check out current conditions on the NOAA weather site.
When we first become concerned that we may have an event that will possibly require a closure, we will allow a liberal transfer policy to another date. Camping transfers are allowed for the next day, so it is generally cabin stays that usually require a 4 night advance transfer that benefit from the liberal transfer policy.
Fees waived cancellations are not offered unless we close the park over overnight facilities in the park. The Governor may declare a state of emergency well in advance of any decision we make to close. This is done to mobilize emergency preparedness operations in the state and does not mean that conditions are dangerous or impending. Consequently, we do not waive fees at the declaration.
Sometimes our guests have been upset that we have closed the park and sent them away from a place to stay with nowhere for them to go. However, our decision is always based on our determination that it is UNSAFE to stay in the park under the forecasted conditions.
Our goal is to provide the most accurate and advance notification within reason and to alert customers in advance of their arrival whenever possible. It is important that guests provide us with email addresses or multiple contact phone numbers so we can reach them in advance of their departure.
Several years ago we created a website alert system we use to post closures, emergency information, and other important notifications. Look for the red box underneath the park website's picture. Currently we have a Know Before You Go section in a green box under this alert.
Find a park's website here
If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.
