Category Archives: Preparedness

Preparedness

New Emergency Preparedness Mobile App

Virginia launches free emergency preparedness mobile app

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell announced today a way for Virginians to become “mobile ready” for disasters. The Ready Virginia mobile app, developed by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, gives Virginians a new way to prepare for disasters and also to stay informed during emergencies with the latest information.

The free Ready Virginia app for iPhone® and Android™ mobile devices provides emergency planning and preparedness guidance along with several other important features, including:

  • Location- specific weather watches and warnings as well as flood information issued by the National Weather Service
  • Disaster news from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management
  • Maps with open American Red Cross shelters, hurricane evacuation routes, hurricane storm surge zones and stream gauges
  • A template for creating a customized family emergency plan that can be easily shared
  • Local emergency manager contact information
  • Links to register for local emergency alerts

“Mobile phones and tablets quickly have become a primary way for people to stay informed during disasters.  Last year, social media and web-based information were critical to informing the public and keeping individuals updated with important information during the severe derecho wind storm and Hurricane Sandy,” said Governor McDonnell.  “The new Ready Virginia mobile app gives people another way to stay informed and quickly identify services and other valuable resources regardless of their location.

The Ready Virginia app is available for download in the App Store SM and in Google Play™ for Android™.

In addition to the mobile app, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management launched a mobile version of its website at m.vaemergency.gov.  The mobile site contains all the information available on VDEM’s regular website, but with easier navigation for those who use smart phones and tablets to access websites.

“This new app is one of the most important ones Virginians can install on their mobile devices. Now our citizens can get ‘mobile ready’ and ensure that their families are prepared for emergencies and stay informed with official disaster information when an emergency occurs,” said Governor McDonnell.

Download:

Find the listing on Apple Store

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id579344082?mt=8 

Find the listing on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cop.vdem.virginia.gov.viper&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS5jb3AudmRlbS52aXJnaW5pYS5nb3YudmlwZXIiXQ..

Issued by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management

Inclement Weather, Natural Disasters, Preparedness

Hurricane Sandy – Will this be a “Frankenstorm?”

While it may be late in the season for a storm the size of Hurricane Sandy, we should always make sure we are prepared for any type of storm or disaster.  As of this morning, the two computer models show that the Northern Virginia area will be impacted in one way or another.  If the storm hits closer to the Chesapeake Bay, our area will get heavy rain and high winds.  If it hits further up the coast closer to NY, we will still get some rain but the winds will not be as high.  Either way, you should prepare for power outages and possible flooding.  

If you have not done so already, we suggest that you pull out your flashlights and dust them off.  Make sure you have spare batteries as well.  Also make sure that you have bottled water.

You can go to FEMA’s website for more information on Sandy as well as useful preparedness tips.  Also,  you can go to our OEMP website for more tips as well.

Drills, Natural Disasters, Preparedness, Training

Get Ready to ShakeOut!!!

Faculty, Staff and Students:
Get Ready to:  SHAKE OUT
 
 Northern Virginia Community College will participate in the…..
 “The Great Southest Shake Out” regional earthquake drill on Thursday, Oct. 18th, 2012 at 10:18am
 
What do I do?
An announcement will be made at 10:18 am using the intercom telephone system to start the drill.  Once the announcement is made, you should DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON!  You can simulate dropping, covering, and holding on!  At approximately 10:23, another announcement will be made that the “earthquake” is over and you should immediately evacuate the building!  Evacuate your building and report to your assembly point.  Persons with disabilities should seek assistance in evacuations.  At 10:35, you can return to your building as the drill concludes (no announcement will be made at the conclusion).
 
The Timeline is as follows:
10:18      Announcement made that the drill is starting.  “This is the start of the Regional Earthquake drill, please drop, cover, and hold on!”
 
10:23     Announcement made that the earthquake is over.  “The earthquake is over, please evacuate your buildings.”
 
10:35     Return to your building, no announcement will be made.  All persons should re-enter the building and continue classes.
 
Further information you can visit the website at http://www.shakeout.org/southeast/  Also, you can view the OEMP Earthquake Training at Earthquake Presentation -Final- 10.2.12 THM V.1
 
Preparedness

Buy emergency supplies, save money during Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginians can save money and get ready for hurricane/flooding season during the Commonwealth’s tax-free shopping week set for May 25-31.

No sales tax is charged on the purchase of many items that can be used to prepare homes and businesses and to fill emergency supply kits during Virginia’s Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.   All retailers participate, according to Virginia law.

Among the items that will be exempt from sales tax are:

  • Batteries, including cell phone batteries
  • Battery-powered light sources, such as flashlights and lanterns
  • Bottled water of all types and sizes, including flavored, carbonated and vitamin waters
  • Battery-powered and/or hand-crank radios, including those with electrical power option
  • Weather band radios and NOAA Weather Radios
  • First aid kits
  • Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Tarps, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths, duct tape
  • Water storage containers, including coolers, buckets, barrels, canteens
  • Storm shutter devices
  • Portable generators

For a complete list, go to www.tax.virginia.gov/site.cfm?alias=STHoliday.

“Last year proved that Virginia is not immune from hurricanes and tropical systems,” said Michael Cline, state coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.  “Five Virginians died as a result of Hurricane Irene in late August, which caused the second-highest number of power outages in Virginia history.  Then we were hit by the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee in September that took the lives of five citizens and displaced hundreds more.  Nearly the entire state was affected to some extent, and we were left with millions of dollars in property damage.  Everyone should take steps to prepare for this hurricane season.”  

Hurricane season starts June 1.  Additional information about preparing for hurricane and flooding season is available at www.ReadyVirginia.gov

Preparedness, Training

The April Power Hour is Coming Soon

Do you know what various alert technologies there are in place at NOVA to make you aware of an emergency?  Please join us for this month’s bring-your-own-lunch Power Hour to learn how these different alert technologies can keep you informed of an actual or potential emergency as well as what you should expect once these alerts are activated..  Dates and times are listed below.

April 12th from Noon – 1:00 pm — Annandale CE Seminar Room A

April 18th from Noon – 1:00 pm — Loudoun LW Room 310

The training is open to all, but, due to space limitations, we ask that you please email oemp@nvcc.edu  to reserve your seat.  If you have any questions, you may also contact the office at 703-764-5043.