preparedness Archives

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Winter Weather Safety

December 12, 2024
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, RHHDpr@vdh.virginia.gov, 804-807-1727

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Winter Weather Safety

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts RHHD encourage community members to prepare for winter weather at home and on the road by building emergency kits and understanding cold weather hazards.

“Winter weather can be sneaky and unpredictable,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator Ed Porner. “Whether you’re staying close to home with family and friends or making a long trip, be prepared with a winter emergency kit, get smart on the unique hazards presented by cold weather, and above all, know your limitations.”

RHHD offers these tips to help you and your family prepare for winter weather:

Keep at least one emergency kit at home and one in your vehicle.gov has a great list of basic kit necessities and options for making low-cost kits. If there’s a baby in the home, make sure the kit includes formula and/or breast milk supplies, diapers, and other necessary items. Anyone with prescription medications should place a few weeks’ worth in their kit. If you freeze or refrigerate breast milk or prescription medication, add a cooler to your kit checklist. Finally, Don’t forget about your pets.
Keep warm safely. The improper use of some heat sources can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or death. In the event of a power outage and freezing temperatures:
- Avoid using stovetop burners or an oven to heat your home.
- Keep generators outdoors and separate from the home.
- If your car becomes stranded:
  - Clear snow from the exhaust pipe.
  - Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat.
  - While running the motor, open an upwind window slightly for ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Write down the contact information and directions to your local Inclement Weather Shelter or warming center.
  - Richmond Inclement Weather Shelter (IWS)
    1900 Chamberlayne Parkway
    Richmond, VA, 23222
    Call for availability at 804-653-5706
    Open 5 p.m. — 8 a.m.
    Line up for admission to IWS begins at 4 p.m. The IWS is for single men and women and can accommodate service animals. All guests will be provided a cot, dinner, snack, and breakfast.
  - 50-Bed Year-Round Family Shelter (no age requirements)
    7 North 2nd Street
    Richmond, VA 23219
    Access: Regional Coordinated Entry System: Greater Richmond Continuum of Care Homeless Connection Line at 804-972-0813.
Check weather conditions before driving. If you’re not familiar with driving in the snow, or your vehicle isn’t built for extreme weather, consider delaying your trip. A wet day with freezing temperatures overnight can create icy streets the following day. Visit the Virginia Department of Transportation for more winter driving tips.
Check for impairment before driving. Distractions, drowsiness, drugs, and alcohol can impair your driving. Traffic crashes are preventable. Keep loved ones and community members safe by arranging for a designated driver, making use of rideshares or the Greater Richmond Transit Company’s (GRTC) fare-free bus lines, or by gathering at home.

For more information and winter weather safety tips, visit ready.gov/winter-ready.

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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourages Everyone to Make a Plan in Honor of National Preparedness Month

September 9, 2024

Media Contact: RHHDpr@vdh.virginia.gov
804-807-1727

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourages Everyone to Make a Plan in Honor of National Preparedness Month

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts encourage the public to observe National Preparedness Month (NPH) this September by making a plan for emergencies.

“Emergency preparedness starts with a few simple, cost-free steps,” says Ed Porner, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts emergency preparedness and response coordinator. “Talk to your family, gather important information, and find out what your friends and neighbors will need. The more prepared we are as a community, the better we will fare.”

The theme of this year’s NPH is “Start a Conversation” The best way to begin the development of your family emergency plan is to start with a conversation. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security advises that the best time to start talking about emergency preparedness is when everyone is calm and relaxed. Hold the discussions over a small time period so decisions aren’t rushed, and everyone can feel more comfortable talking about the topic. Ensure everyone has input and is on board! Talk about steps you’ve taken to prepare in the past, things that have gone well (or not gone well) as a result of planning and encourage others to ask questions about preparedness actions that might work for them.

Make sure your plan includes everyone! Consider supporting those in the community that might need your help, like an elderly neighbor or someone with a disability. Don’t forget to plan for your pets!

Ed Porner offers these tips to help you and your family stay prepared:

• Prepare your family AND your household. Disasters can happen unexpectedly and without warning. Hurricanes and storms may give us some time to gather things together, but fires, floods, and other disasters could give us only seconds to get to safety. Gather important documents like birth certificates, citizenship papers, or backup medical prescriptions and place them in a secure location close to an exit, preferably in a fireproof box.
• Talk openly with kids about preparedness. Talk with children often, honestly, and openly about the potential for emergencies while empowering them to take charge of their own preparedness. “Comfort items” for both kids and older adults should be an important part of an emergency kit – think a favorite toy or a keepsake that’s important to that person. Discussions should include procedures for reuniting if separated, trusted people in their lives that they can call, and how to access emergency services if they’re alone. Prepare with Pedro from Ready.gov is a fun resource that families can use to help kids think about preparedness.
• Meet your neighbors. Planning with your community in mind can help counteract some of the ways way age, income, or disabilities impact someone’s readiness for emergency situations. Have conversations about the needs your neighbors might have and what type of assistance they might need in an emergency.
• Practice your plan. Turn preparedness into a game like a treasure hunt for emergency kit items, or a car trip around the neighborhood highlighting meeting points of safe areas. Ready.gov has many more ideas.
• Learn more about preparedness at Ready.gov or VDH Severe Weather Preparedness.

Norfolk Department of Public Health Urges Caution in Advance of Severe Weather

Date: August 7, 2024
Media Contact: Kathy Lamm, KathyLamm@vdh.virginia.gov, 757-799-8699

Norfolk Department of Public Health Urges Caution in Advance of Severe Weather

NORFOLK, Va. — The remnants of Tropical Storm Debby are expected to impact areas of the state beginning Wednesday, August 7 through the weekend. This storm could bring strong winds and flooding that create dangerous conditions. The Norfolk Department of Public Health reminds people to take precautions to be prepared for severe weather.

Now is the time to check the contents of the emergency kits in your car and home and replace items that may have expired. If you do not have an emergency kit, a supply checklist with basic items that every supply kit should include is available for download. Don’t forget to prepare your pet for an emergency.

During storms:

Stay inside and avoid travel when possible. During strong wind or tornado warnings, stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors. Find a safe area in your home (an interior room, a closet or bathroom on the lower level).
Monitor the radio or TV for updates.
Have a supply of bottled water for drinking. You can also fill a bathtub or other large containers with water for additional drinking water or to flush toilets with.

Before the storm be sure to bring in lawn furniture, garbage and recycling carts and other items that are not tied down and could become airborne. Strong winds from Tropical Storm Debby could throw these items around.

Tropical Storm Debby is also expected to bring heavy rainfall, which can cause significant flooding in some areas, and rising flood waters carry many dangers for Virginia citizens. Floodwaters are often dirty from overflowing storm drains and sewers. Floodwaters may also hide debris and other trash that could cause injury. Do not drive through standing or flowing water – Don’t drown, turn around!

If you use a generator, NEVER run it indoors (including a closed garage). Do not try to refuel a running generator.
Finally, know the proper food safety precautions to take before, during, and after a power outage. Be prepared to safely handle food and water if flooding occurs.

For more information, visit NorfolkPublicHealth.com

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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Urge Caution in Advance of Severe Weather

August 7, 2024
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Urge Caution in Advance of Severe Weather

RICHMOND, Va. — The remnants of Tropical Storm Debby are expected to impact the Mid-Atlantic region late Thursday and into the weekend. Richmond and Henrico are under a flood watch beginning tonight at 8 p.m. This storm could bring heavy rainfall and flooding that create dangerous conditions. The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) remind people to take precautions to be prepared for severe weather.

“We don’t yet know what to expect with this storm, but history has shown us that these kinds of events are magnified in our area by water accumulating rapidly in streams and rivers from the mountains,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator Ed Porner. “High water is the number one killer of Virginians in storms. Don’t be a statistic. Don’t drown, turn around! Be alert to official notices both before a storm and post-storm, particularly evacuation and boil-water notices. Check on family and neighbors, especially those with medical or special needs, and make sure they are part of any communication and evacuation plans.”

Now is the time to check the contents of the emergency kits in your car and home and replace items that may have expired. If you do not have an emergency kit, a supply checklist with basic items that every supply kit should include is available for download. Make sure that you have all important documents in one location in case you are told and/or need to evacuate. Don’t forget to prepare your pet for an emergency.

During the storm:

Stay inside and away from windows, skylights and glass doors. Find a safe area in your home (an interior room, a closet or bathroom on the lower level).
Continue to monitor the radio or TV for updates.
Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.
If you lose power, turn off major appliances such as the air conditioner and water heater to reduce damage.
Do not go outside.

Additionally, debris, such as signs, roofing material, siding, and small items left outside, can cause injury and damage property due to strong winds from Tropical Storm Debby. Before the storm be sure to bring in lawn furniture, garbage and recycling carts and other items that are not tied down and could become airborne.

Tropical Storm Debby is also expected to bring heavy rainfall, which can cause significant flooding in some areas, and rising flood waters carry many dangers for Virginia citizens.

During flooding, the greatest threat comes from moving water. The deeper the moving water, the greater the threat. People should avoid driving in moving water, regardless of the size of their vehicle. Never attempt to walk or drive through moving water, as there is no way of telling its depth and swift moving water can carry away people or vehicles trying to cross it.

Heavy rain causes flood waters to rise and pool on streets and throughout neighborhoods. In these situations, be aware of the following:

Road surfaces become obscured, and drivers can unknowingly steer into a deep body of water, such as a canal or pond.
Electricity from streetlights and power poles may be active through standing water causing a deadly shock to anyone coming in contact with it.
Children playing in contaminated standing water can become sick or be bitten by snakes or floating insects.
People coming into contact with floodwaters should thoroughly rinse any exposed body parts with soap and sanitized or disinfected water.

Finally, residents, or facilities that provide water to the public including campgrounds, restaurants, or daycares, with private wells or septic systems submerged by flood waters should also take extra precautions. For more information and safety tips regarding private wells and septic systems visit Before and After the Storm – Private Wells and Onsite Sewage Systems.

To contact RHHD, please email rhhdpr@vdh.virginia.gov or call 804-205-3501, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

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Central Virginia Health District Receives National “Project Public Health Ready” Recognition to Help Protect the Community During Emergencies and Disasters

July 1, 2024
Media Contact: Kim Foster, Population Health Manager/PIO, kimberlee.foster@vdh.virginia.gov

Central Virginia Health District Receives National “Project Public Health Ready” Recognition to Help Protect the Community During Emergencies and Disasters

LYNCHBURG, Va.– Central Virginia Health District (CVHD) has been recognized by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for its ability to plan for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies. The health district demonstrated these capabilities by meeting the comprehensive preparedness benchmarks required by Project Public Health Ready (PPHR), a unique partnership between NACCHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CVHD joins a cohort of more than 550 local health departments across the country that have been distinguished for excellence in preparedness through PPHR, either individually or as part of a region.

“I am proud that our health district meets the standards necessary to achieve this recognition. This honor is well-deserved because it reflects tremendous effort, dedication, creativity, and cooperation on the part of our Local Health Emergency Coordinator, Jason Blankenship, and members of our team who contributed their expertise.” said Dr. Kerry Gateley, Health District Director for CVHD.

PPHR recognition confirms that Central Virginia Health District has a thorough and coordinated emergency response plan in place and that staff have the training to protect the health of the community during an emergency. Local health departments recognized by PPHR undergo a rigorous evaluation by peer review to assess their ability to meet a set of national standards for public health preparedness. These standards align with federal government requirements and other national best practices.

“Public health preparedness planning, response, and recovery begins at the local level. Local health departments play an essential role in creating healthy, resilient communities that can respond to and recover from disasters.” said Lori T. Freeman, Chief Executive Officer. “NACCHO commends Central Virginia Health District for being a model of public health emergency preparedness.”

NACCHO, the voice of the nearly 3,000 local health departments across the country, provides resources to help local health department leaders develop public health policies and programs to ensure that communities have access to vital programs and services that people need to keep them protected from disease and disaster. Its mission is to be a leader, partner, catalyst, and voice for local health departments to ensure the conditions that promote health and equity, combat disease, and improve the quality and length of all lives.
For more information on Project Public Health Ready, including recognized sites, project tools, and resources, visit http://www.naccho.org/PPHR.

Central Shenandoah Health District Recognized by National “Project Public Health Ready” Association

January 29, 2024
Media Contact: Laura Lee Wight, Population Health Manager, laura.wight@vdh.virginia.gov

Central Shenandoah Health District Recognized by National “Project Public Health Ready” Association

STAUNTON, Va.– Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) has been recognized by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for its ability to plan for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies. CSHD demonstrated these capabilities by meeting the comprehensive preparedness benchmarks required by Project Public Health Ready (PPHR), a unique partnership between NACCHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CSHD joins a cohort of more than 550 local health departments across the country that have been distinguished for excellence in preparedness through PPHR, either individually or as part of a region.

“We are proud to have been recognized by Project Public Health Ready for our high level of preparedness,” said Dr. Elaine Perry, Acting Health Director of Central Shenandoah Health District. “I believe that this honor is exceedingly well-deserved because it reflects tremendous effort, dedication, creativity, and cooperation on the part of our entire team of experts.”

PPHR recognition confirms that CSHD has a thorough and coordinated emergency response plan in place and that staff have the training to protect the health of the community during an emergency. Local health departments recognized by PPHR undergo a rigorous evaluation by peer review to assess their ability to meet a set of national standards for public health preparedness. These standards align with federal government requirements and other national best practices.

“Public health preparedness planning, response, and recovery begins at the local level. Local health departments play an essential role in creating healthy, resilient communities that can respond to and recover from disasters.” said Lori T. Freeman, Chief Executive Officer. “NACCHO commends Central Shenandoah Health District for being a model of public health emergency preparedness.”

For more information on Project Public Health Ready, including recognized sites, project tools, and resources, visit http://www.naccho.org/PPHR.

West Piedmont Health District Receives “Project Public Health Ready” Recognition

January 22, 2024
Media Contact: Nancy Bell, Population Health Manager, nancy.bell@vdh.virginia.gov

West Piedmont Health District Receives “Project Public Health Ready” Recognition

(MARTINSVILLE, Va.) – The West Piedmont Health District (WPHD) is being recognized by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for its ability to plan for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies.

WPHD demonstrated these capabilities by meeting the comprehensive preparedness benchmarks required by Project Public Health Ready (PPHR), a unique partnership between NACCHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. WPHD joins a cohort of more than 550 local health departments across the country that have been distinguished for excellence in preparedness through PPHR, either individually or as part of a region, according to NACCHO.

“We are pleased that WPHD has received this recognition,” said Dr. Kerry Gateley, WPHD Director. “A team representing all aspects of public health worked very hard over the course of nearly a year to document the health district’s strengths in all required areas.”

Gateley added that the WPHD’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic provided opportunities to test existing emergency response efforts. Some processes were strengthened and streamlined as a result, he said.

“Public health preparedness planning, response, and recovery begins at the local level. Local health departments play an essential role in creating healthy, resilient communities that can respond to and recover from disasters,” said Lori T. Freeman, NACCHO Chief Executive Officer. “NACCHO commends the West Piedmont Health District for being a model of public health emergency preparedness.”

PPHR recognition confirms that the WPHD has a thorough and coordinated emergency response plan in place and that staff have the training to protect the health of the community during an emergency. Local health departments recognized by PPHR undergo a rigorous evaluation by peer review to assess their ability to meet a set of national standards for public health preparedness. These standards align with federal government requirements and other national best practices, according to NACCHO.

PPHR recognition also requires health departments to collaborate with state, local and community partners to develop plans that account for all the constituents in their jurisdictions.

NACCHO, the voice of the nearly 3,000 local health departments across the country, provides resources to help local health department leaders develop public health policies and programs to ensure that communities have access to vital programs and services that people need to keep them protected from disease and disaster. Its mission is to be a leader, partner, catalyst, and voice for local health departments in order to ensure the conditions that promote health and equity, combat disease, and improve the quality and length of all lives.

The West Piedmont Health District covers the counties of Franklin, Henry and Patrick and the City of Martinsville, Virginia.

For more information on Project Public Health Ready, including recognized sites, project tools, and resources, visit http://www.naccho.org/PPHR.

New River Health District Announces Efforts During National Preparedness Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 11, 2023

Media Contact: Beverly Hill, M.Ed.,
Public Health Emergency and Medical Reserve Corps Coordinator,
New River Health District, beverly.hill@vdh.virginia.gov

New River Health District Announces Efforts During National Preparedness Month
The annual designation focuses on preparing older adults for disasters

Christiansburg, Va. – September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) annual preparedness outreach event sponsored by FEMA’s Ready Campaign. The New River Health District has committed to participate in NPM to increase preparedness in the community by offering educational resources to the public, providing training opportunities to local health department staff and Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers, and providing Stop the Bleed training to community members across the district.

This year, National Preparedness Month will focus on preparing older adults for disasters. Older adults have specific needs during a disaster, specifically those who are disproportionately affected by all hazards. Older adults face greater risks associated with disasters, especially those who live in rural areas, live alone, are low-income, or have a disability. National Preparedness Month is a perfect time to create or review your own emergency plans, or those for our parents, grandparents, and elderly friends and neighbors.

Preparedness is a shared responsibility that takes the Whole Community. Learn ways you can take action by visiting www.ready.gov/older-adults and Ready.gov/prepare.

“The importance of preparedness cannot be overstated. Outcomes are far better with these simple measures on the front end versus picking up the pieces on the back end,” said Dr. Noelle Bissell, Health Director for New River Health District.

For more information about the Ready Campaign and National Preparedness Month, visit Ready.gov/September.