August is Emergency Management Awareness month

August is National Emergency Management Awareness Month, recognizing the professionals who work behind the scenes to help communities prepare for and respond to emergencies.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management recognizes that firefighters, law enforcement officers and EMS professionals are often the most visible during an emergency.

But did you know that emergency managers play a critical role in coordinating the response?

They connect agencies, bring together resources and build partnerships between government, first responders, nonprofits, businesses and the communities they serve.

Emergency managers help communities prepare for disasters, respond when emergencies happen, recover afterward and become more resilient for the future.

This month, officials are recognizing emergency managers across Virginia for their dedication to keeping communities prepared and strengthening the Commonwealth’s ability to respond when disaster strikes.

For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management at vdem.virginia.gov.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Prepare for the winter weather headed our way

Be prepared for potential snowfall this Sunday & Monday.

Though forecasts may change, it’s always a good idea to stay alert and prepare now.

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) recommends always keeping a storm prep kit stocked with essential items including flashlights & fresh batteries, bottled water, extra blankets or bedding and nonperishable foods.

Find a complete list of what to include at myrec.coop/stormprep

What to do before the storm:

  • Consider a secondary heating source such as a heating with a generator.
  • Gather any extra blankets, bedding, sleeping bags, sweaters and other warm clothing.
  • Generator Safety Tips:
    • Use your generator safely by isolating it from REC’s power lines and connecting
      devices directly.
    • If connecting to your home’s wiring, ensure you use a generator transfer switch.
    • Never refuel a generator while it’s running and provide proper ventilation to avoid
      carbon monoxide poisoning.

Stay informed, stay safe, and remember REC is always here for their customers!

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Prepare for hurricane season

As the Atlantic hurricane season kicks off, Governor Glenn Youngkin is calling on residents throughout our Commonwealth to prioritize readiness in anticipation of potential storms.

Recently, Governor Youngkin toured the Virginia Department of Emergency
Management to receive updates on ongoing hurricane preparedness efforts.

With the hurricane season spanning from June 1st to November 30th, taking steps is essential to protecting lives and property.

Storms originating in the lower Atlantic or Gulf States pose a risk of moving northward and inflicting substantial damage on Virginia.

That’s why all Virginians statewide are urged to prepare.

Take the time now to review your insurance policy, secure your property, and create a plan that includes arrangements for your pets or those that may need extra assistance.

Know your zone.

Evacuation may become necessary depending on the track and severity of the storm.

Review Virginia’s evacuation zones at KnowYourZoneVA.org.

Users can enter their physical address in the search bar of the website to confirm their designated evacuation zone.

Complete a family communication plan.

Prepare for how you will assemble and communicate with your family and loved ones.

Identify meeting locations and anticipate where you will go.

Create an emergency kit comprising nonperishable food, water, medications, hygiene items, radios, spare batteries, and essential documents.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.