By Latika Lee
Contributing Writer

As 78-year-old Roxie Ramsey sat in her favorite comfortable seat in her family room on the afternoon of July 29th, the weather forecasters were predicting a severe thunder-storm warning would be in effect until 7 p.m. When the mid-summer storm came through western Powhatan and northern Chesterfield, it brought with it torrential rain, violent lightening and damaging winds. It was the beginning of the evening rush hour and commuters were headed home from work. At the height of the storm, nearly 60,000 homes were without power in the metro Richmond area.

According to her son, David Ramsey, around 6 p.m. Mrs. Ramsey was trapped in her home for approximately an hour when a neighbor had called the rescue squad to respond to her residence.  Due to the storm, a majestic oak tree was uprooted and had fallen through the family and utility rooms. The rafters were exposed and the ceiling joists were dangling.  Mrs. Ramsey was inches from being more severely injured. Later that day, she was admitted to MCV Hospital where she received 12 staples on her head. She has spent the next few weeks recovering with her family and will not be able to return to her home for a few months when the reconstruction is complete.

“I would advise anyone to pay attention to the weather reports and verify their insurance coverage in advance,” said David Ramsey, “everyone on board helping us to rebuild from the rescue squad to Virginia Restoration Services to the county officials have been super.”

Although the National Weather Service in Wakefield did not declare that a tornado had touched down, meteorologists confirmed “strong circular rotations.”

“Typically, we see evidence of trees that are twisted at midpoint when there are straight- line winds,” explained, Building Inspector, Roger Robertson.

“Splintered at midpoint suggests rotating winds.”

In the event of a weather-related emergency, Robertson recommends that homeowners should consider if their life is in jeopardy, then look at the immediate concerns of the house and call 911, if appropriate. The emergency responders will follow-up with emergency management and building inspector’s offices. The building inspector’s office will take an initial survey to determine the extent of an estimated cost of repair and recovery.

“We’ll determine if the property is declared “condemned” and check to see if it is safe for occupancy,” Robertson said, “If a tree has fallen through the roof and there’s a hole, we will look to see if there is further damage to the ceiling, electrical and plumbing systems and down underneath the floor if it’s a two-story dwelling”.

If there is damage to your home and repairs are necessary, Robertson suggests using these tips:

Use a licensed contractor.

Do not request permit on behalf of contractor.

Get three estimates.

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Tips for dealing with emergencies at home:

Handle immediate concerns first that might affect the your home and any surrounding structures.

If lightening strikes the house, call 911. Call your insurance company, document the damage by taking pictures. Call a reputable contractor for your project and keep receipts for all expenses.

If there is a plumbing leak, cut off the water supply to the house, then, call a plumber. Since water may rot building materials used in most homes, and mold may form.

In case of a power outage, call Dominion at 1-800-222-0401 to report it and have this number posted on you refrigerator or near the telephone. 

Know where your main electrical breaker panel, gas and water cutoff is located and shut them off, if there is eminent danger.

Have a flashlight on each floor of your house and remember to check the batteries monthly.

Buy rechargeable batteries for your flashlights. They will always be ready to use when the power goes out.

Be sure to have at least one landline telephone that is not cordless or wireless