Virginia Department of Emergency Management

Virginia Department of Emergency Management VDEM coordinates Virginia's emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.

📝 If an emergency happens, does everyone in your household know what to do?🏠 Today, make or review your family emergency...
09/05/2026

📝 If an emergency happens, does everyone in your household know what to do?🏠

Today, make or review your family emergency plan.

Decide:
• Where will you meet?
• Who is responsible for what?
• How will you stay in touch?
• Where will you go if you need to leave?
• What does each person need? If it pertains to your family, what will the pets need?

Consider the risks where you live and the unique needs of your household. Then practice the plan. Knowing what to do ahead of time can reduce confusion when an emergency happens.

Preparedness starts at home.

There is a threat for severe storms across nearly the entire commonwealth this afternoon and evening (9/4/26). The Storm...
09/04/2026

There is a threat for severe storms across nearly the entire commonwealth this afternoon and evening (9/4/26). The Storm Prediction Center has placed most of Virginia under a Slight Risk for severe storms, meaning there is a chance for isolated to scattered storms to develop, and some could be strong or severe. The main threat from these storms will be damaging winds, but isolated flash flooding and large hail can't be ruled out. And don't forget the heat! Heat Advisories are in effect for many locations along and east of I-95 today, where the heat index will reach as high as 105°+!

Have several ways to receive severe weather alerts. Making sure you are opted in to your phone's emergency alerts and having a NOAA weather radio is a good first step!

You can always get the latest forecast for your area at weather.gov.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for most of the state until 9 PM. This means that conditions are favorable ...
09/04/2026

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for most of the state until 9 PM. This means that conditions are favorable for severe storms to develop, and you should remain weather aware this afternoon and evening. Damaging winds are the #1 threat, but we could also see isolated large hail, or even flash flooding.

Follow the National Weather Service, the local media, or other reputable sources for weather alerts and information in your area.

💡 Think getting prepared has to be expensive? It doesn’t.✅ Some important preparedness steps cost little or nothing:• Si...
09/04/2026

💡 Think getting prepared has to be expensive? It doesn’t.✅

Some important preparedness steps cost little or nothing:
• Sign up for local emergency alerts.
• Save an emergency contact and an out-of-state contact.
• Choose a household meeting place.
• Organize important documents.
• Check the emergency supplies you already have.
• Talk with a neighbor about how you can help one another.
Preparedness is not about buying everything at once. It’s about taking practical steps before you need them. Start with what you have. Do one thing today.

❤️ Preparedness is Personal.👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Maybe you stand ready for your children. A parent. A grandparent. A friend. A neighb...
09/03/2026

❤️ Preparedness is Personal.👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Maybe you stand ready for your children. A parent. A grandparent. A friend. A neighbor. A coworker. Or someone you may never meet.

FEMA and VDEM's 2026 theme, “Americans Stand Ready,” recognizes preparedness as personal responsibility and a way to strengthen communities.

Here in Virginia, we’re asking a simple question all month: Who do you stand ready for?

Tell us in the comments. Then take one small step today to prepare for them.

🚨 When an emergency happens, having good information can help you make good decisions.📱 Today’s preparedness step: KNOW ...
09/02/2026

🚨 When an emergency happens, having good information can help you make good decisions.📱

Today’s preparedness step:
KNOW how you’ll receive emergency information. Sign up for your community’s warning system and make sure your household has multiple ways to receive alerts.

The FEMA App can provide real-time weather alerts and preparedness resources. The Emergency Alert System and NOAA Weather Radio provide additional ways to receive emergency information.

🌪Don’t wait until severe weather is approaching to figure out where your alerts come from. Take a few minutes today. Get informed. Stay informed.

🚨 VDEM IS HIRING! 🚨 We’re excited to announce new opportunities to join the Virginia Department of Emergency Management....
09/01/2026

🚨 VDEM IS HIRING! 🚨

We’re excited to announce new opportunities to join the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. As we continue to grow and strengthen our mission, we’re looking for passionate, skilled individuals to join our agency.

👥 Help Us Find Great Talent!
Know someone who would be a great fit for VDEM? Encourage them to apply and be part of a team that makes a real difference across the Commonwealth.

📌 Where to Apply:
https://www.jobs.virginia.gov

Let’s work together to bring in the best and brightest!

🇺🇸 September is National Preparedness Month and this year, VDEM is asking Virginians to Stand Ready.🛡️Preparedness isn’...
09/01/2026

🇺🇸 September is National Preparedness Month and this year, VDEM is asking Virginians to Stand Ready.🛡️

Preparedness isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about being ready for the people who matter most. Throughout September, we’ll share simple, low, and no-cost steps to protect your household, help your neighbors and support responders.

We’ll focus on three actions: KNOW. PLAN. BUILD.

KNOW where to get trusted information. PLAN what you and your family will do. BUILD a kit that works for your needs.

Who do you stand ready for?

🏖️🌊 HAPPY NATIONAL BEACH DAY, VIRGINIA!With 3,315 miles of coastline, Virginia has plenty of places to enjoy the sun, sa...
08/30/2026

🏖️🌊 HAPPY NATIONAL BEACH DAY, VIRGINIA!

With 3,315 miles of coastline, Virginia has plenty of places to enjoy the sun, sand, and water. 🌞🏄‍♀️🛶

But a great beach day starts with making safety part of the plan.

🌊 Know the water. Check conditions before getting in and pay attention to posted warnings and flags.

👀 Keep an eye on children. Stay within arm's reach of young children in or near the water.

🏊 Know your limits. Ocean swimming is different from swimming in a pool. Don't take chances with rough surf or strong currents.

🚩 Respect the flags. They aren't decorations—they're there to tell you about water conditions.

🛟 Swim near a lifeguard when possible. Know where to find help if you need it.

☀️ Beat the heat. Drink plenty of water, take breaks from the sun, and protect yourself from excessive heat.

🌊 Caught in a rip current? Don't fight it. Stay calm, float, and swim parallel to the shoreline until you're out of the current.

Virginia's beaches are meant to be enjoyed. Make sure safety comes along for the ride. 🏖️❤️

📸 by: T. Van Kirk with VDEM

08/28/2026

Building resilience starts with all of us.

Emergency managers know that preparedness doesn't happen through one plan, one exercise, or just one person. It grows when preparedness becomes part of the way people, organizations, and institutions think about the risks they face and the decisions they make every day.

The work can happen in a school, around a conference table with business leaders, during a staff training session, in a conversation with community leaders, or through a simple reminder shared with the people you serve. Every one of those conversations can help move preparedness forward. The more people who understand their risks, know how they can contribute, and see preparedness as part of their everyday work, the stronger our collective resilience becomes.

While National Emergency Management Awareness Month may be coming to an end, it's critical that we keep these conversations going year-round. Keep talking about preparedness, keep sharing what you know, and keep finding ways to bring more people into the work.

Address

9711 Farrar Court
Richmond, VA
23236

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18042677600

Website

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