Emergency Preparedness & Response

Emergency Preparedness and Response

VDH Emergency Preparedness involves state, regional and local emergency response partners working together to enhance readiness to respond to all hazards, including bioterrorism, infectious disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies.  The mission of NRHD’s Emergency Preparedness & Response program is to effectively respond to any emergency impacting public health through preparation, collaboration, education and rapid intervention at the local level. 

Key components: 

  • All-Hazards EOP design, implementation & exercising

  • Hazard Communications

  • Medical Countermeasures

  • Opioid Abatement

  • Sheltering Support (ESF 8)

  • Safety Training

For more information about emergency preparedness and response programs, contact Beverly Hill at (540) 585-3298 or email beverly.hill@vdh.virginia.gov.

Near Southwest Medical Reserve Corps (NSW MRC)

The NRHD MRC is a group of 1000+ volunteers, part of the Near Southwest Medical Reserve Corps unit, comprised of credentialed and trained individuals who serve in supporting roles in response to local emergencies, and provide reserve capacity to respond to local, state and national public health needs.

Key components: 

  • Emergency Response

  • Epidemiology

  • Public Health

  • Shelter Support

  • Vaccinations

For more information about Near Southwest Medical Reserve Corps, contact Mary Legg at (540) 392-0876 or email nearswmrc@vdh.virginia.gov.

Resources

Taking a seasonal approach to events related to emergency preparedness and response (EP&R), the following are some important dates and topics to consider in the coming months, for fall:

  • October is the time to focus on fire prevention and earthquake preparedness!  Fire safety week is October 8th-14th and is a good time to check your home for working carbon monoxide & smoke alarms, and to change the batteries if needed.  Looking to be sure that you have the right fire extinguishers on hand and that they are not expired is equally important.  Do you and your family have an exit plan in case of a house fire, and do you have evacuation equipment if needed to safely get out of a second story floor?

  • International Shakeout Day is October 19th this year and is a time to practice what to do if our area experiences an earthquake!  Join millions of people worldwide at 10:19 a.m. on 10/19/23 to participate in drills in the home, workplace and school environments to stay safe if we ever experience this type of disaster locally. 

    "Running through a drill would be so beneficial as I remember the earthquake in 2011 that occurred in Mineral, VA. Experiencing the initial quake was so surreal and then dealing with the stress of worrying about the potential for aftershocks was unnerving. Having a basic understanding of what to do in such an unforeseen event was so valuable and brought some peace of mind." - Rebecca Lord, Executive Assistant with NRHD

  • Did you know that November is Child Safety & Protection Month? Initiated to create awareness about the potential dangers our children face every day, this month is a good reminder for everyone – parents and caregivers, as well as educators and students – of the importance of keeping our children safe.  Look for community-wide events that highlight this important topic and teach your children things to be aware of and steps they can take to stay safe in our community at all times.

  • In December, we focus on workplace wellness!  Many people spend the holidays eating, drinking, and spending evenings with friends and family. However, too much can take a serious toll on their physical (and mental) health.  Workplace wellness tips help employees practice healthy habits both at work and at home during the holidays, so they can bring their best selves to the office every single day of the year.  Consider doing something at your place of employment to offer yourself, and your co-workers, some healthier options to end-of-year indulgences.

Finally, fall brings with it the need for staying healthy by considering getting vaccinated for the flu, and other respiratory infections that tend to travel through the community during the colder months.  The Centers for Disease Control offers a good list of ways to protect yourself during this time.  To view the list of suggested actions, go here:  https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm and do what you can to protect yourself and those around you this flu season!