Emergency Preparedness

The following is a list of agencies, phone numbers and websites provided by the Governor that Virginia citizens can contact for information concerning Emergency Preparedness:

• The Virginia Department of Emergency Management website has information about preparedness and reducing vulnerability. Visit www.vaemergency.gov.
• The Virginia Corps Program informs citizens of how they can contribute to the communities and state programs as volunteers. Visit http://www.vaemergency.gov/volunteer/va-cit-corps-councils.
• The Virginia Public Inquiry hotline is where citizens should call when local agencies cannot address their concerns. Call 1-866-800-4280.
• If local citizens want to report suspicious activity they should call 9-1-1. When 9-1-1 is reached please stay on the phone and answer all the dispatcher's questions to the best of your ability.
• If you are not exactly sure of what to do please call 9-1-1 and we will assist you with assessing the situation.

Citizens should prepare for terrorist attacks by doing the following:

• Stock perishable foods and bottled water to last three or more days.
• Pay attention to what is going on around you.
• Report suspicious activity to your local authorities.
• If you have small children in the home write emergency and other important phone numbers beside each phone and tape to the back of cell phones. Explain to them how to call 9-1-1 and that once reached the 9-1-1 dispatchers are there to help them.
• If you have elderly neighbors share this information with them and see what you can do to help them prepare.