Photo byFlorida Fish & Wildlife

Yesterday, Governor Glen Youngkin declared a state of emergency due to Tropical Storm Debby.

An announcement from the Governor’s office stated the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center predict the potential for tropical storm force winds, heavy rain, and severe flooding across the entirety of the state. With that, there is the possibility of transportation difficulties and power outages.

It’s necessary to pre-position response assets and supplies. And declaring a state of emergency allows the Commonwealth to mobilize the resources and equipment needed for response and recovery efforts.

Consumer protection

Declaring a state of emergency also triggers Virginia’s price gouging protections, Attorney General Miyares’ office noted.

Those measures are designed to protect consumers from paying exorbitant prices for necessities during an emergency. The anti-price gouging protections apply to a wide range of items and services, including water, ice, food, generators, batteries, home repair materials and services as well as tree removal services.

According to the Attorney General’s office, a good way to gauge price gouging is assessing whether the post-disaster price grossly exceeds the price charged for the same or similar goods or services during the 10 days immediately prior to the disaster.

The state does not have to actually bear the effects of the disaster for the anti-price gouging measures to apply. They automatically go into effect for 30 days after a state of emergency is declared.

Any violations of Virginia’s Anti-Price Gouging Act or exploitation of Virginians’ wallets will be thoroughly prosecuted through the Virginia Consumer Protection Act by my office. Bad actors will be held accountable,” said Attorney General Miyares.

Consumer can file a complaint:

• By phone: (800)-552-9963
• By email: consumer@oag.state.va.us
• Online Complaint Form

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