Richmond VA Emergency Management and 911

09/02/2026

September is National Preparedness Month and being prepared starts with knowing your risks, making a plan, and knowing what to do when an emergency happens.

Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing preparedness resources, tips, and information to help Richmond residents stay connected and be ready when it matters most.

🚫Don’t wait for an emergency to make a plan.
🌐Start today by visiting ready.gov/plan for everything you need to know about creating an emergency plan for your family.

08/26/2026

For the month of July, Richmond’s Emergency Communications Center received 24,659 calls to 911! 📲

Here’s how quickly we answered those calls:

⏱️88% within 10 seconds
⏱️91% within 20 seconds
⏱️98% within 60 seconds

💡 Did you know? That Richmond’s Emergency Communications Center answers more than 450,000 calls for service yearly? It’s one of the busiest emergency communications centers in Virginia!

08/07/2026

Before the new school year kicks, off let’s add one more thing to the checklist: Emergency Preparedness! 📚🚌✏️

The time is now to make sure you:

📞 Update emergency contacts — Confirm the school has current phone numbers and authorized contacts.

🧠 Practice Your Plan— Talk about your family’s emergency plan and make sure your child knows their full name, your phone number, and home address.

💊 Update medical information — Make sure the school has current information about medications, allergies, or other needs.

🏫 Learn the school’s emergency procedures — Know how the school handles emergencies, communication, dismissal, and reunification when things happen.

Don’t forget this weekend is Virginia tax free weekend, for all your back to school supplies. Consider adding household emergency preparedness items on your shopping list!

07/27/2026

Effective today, the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response has transitioned medical 911 call processing to the Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) following City Council’s adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-069. While this changes how medical calls are handled, it does not change how residents access emergency services. Residents should continue calling 911 for all emergencies.

💡Swipe to learn more about this transition or visit go.rva.gov/911

07/22/2026

Hey Richmond, summer storms can roll in fast bringing in heavy downpours and flash flooding. If you come up on a flooded road remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

Stay flood aware and:

-Avoid roads that are already flooded. Do not drive, swim, or walk through flood waters.
- Stay off bridges over fast moving water.
- Be especislly cautious when driving at night when it is harder to see flood dangers.

Stay in the know of critial weather and emergency notificstions from the City of Richmond by signing up for Richmond Ready Alerts. Text ‘RVAREADY’ to 888-777 to receive a link to register today! ⛈️📲

07/20/2026

Last month, Richmond’s Emergency Communications Center received 19,745 calls to 911! 📲

Here’s how quickly we answered those calls:

⏱️84% within 10 seconds
⏱️88% within 20 seconds
⏱️97% within 60 seconds

💡 Did you know? Your Emergency Communications Officer may continue asking questions even after help has been dispatched. Those questions help first responders arrive prepared with the resources they need to help you.⛑️

07/15/2026

Richmond Ready Alerts ensures you’re always in the know.📲

Register today by texting RVAREADY to 888-777 or visiting rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Richmond Ready Alerts garantiza que siempre estés informado.📲

Inscríbete hoy mismo enviando el mensaje RVAREADY al 888-777 o visitando la página rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts.

07/02/2026

Dangerous heat is expected to build across our region through the holiday weekend, with the potential to be the most significant heat wave we've experienced in several years! 🥵

Knowing the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke could save a life.
When going outside, remember to take breaks in the shade or air conditioning, drink plenty of water, and check on older adults, young children, neighbors, and anyone without reliable cooling.

If someone shows signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately.

Stay informed. Stay cool. Stay safe!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

: ¡Se espera que el calor extremo vaya en aumento en toda nuestra región durante todo el fin de semana y podría llegar a ser la ola de calor más intensa que hayamos vivido en varios años!🥵

Saber distinguir entre el agotamiento por calor y la insolación podría salvar vidas.
Cuando salgas al aire libre, recuerda descansar a la sombra o en un lugar con aire acondicionado, beber mucha agua y estar atento a las personas mayores, los niños pequeños, los vecinos y cualquier persona que no disponga de un sistema de refrigeración confiable.

Llama al 911 inmediatamente si alguien muestra síntomas de insolación.

¡Mantente informado, mantente fresco y mantente a salvo!

07/01/2026

🎆Richmond! 🎆

After careful consideration of current weather forecasts and anticipated heat index values this weekend, PRCF will be cancelling the annual Fourth of July celebration scheduled for July 4, 2026, at Dogwood Dell.

While the annual celebration is a cherished Richmond tradition and an important part of the Festival of Arts, as well as this year's commemoration of the nation's 250th anniversary, City leaders determined that proceeding with the event would present unacceptable health and safety risks for attendees, performers, volunteers, staff, and first responders.

Please stay safe during the next few days!

07/01/2026

RVA,hot temperatures can become dangerous quickly. If you need to be outdoors, drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

Stay weather-aware and take steps now to protect yourself from the heat! ☀️

The Heat Advisory for today, July 1st, has been expanded and now includes the Richmond metro in addition to the piedmont counties based on latest model guidance and observed temperatures so far. Heat indices around 105° expected this afternoon.