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.

NICU visitation policy at Valley Health changes

valley health covid-19 vaccine

Due to rising cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in the community, Valley Health changed their visitation policy to protect the most vulnerable patients in the NICU on Friday.

Beginning November 7, at 8:00 PM, Valley Health began restricting visitors in the NICU to only the two designated, banded Care Partners for each baby.

Staff will not permit any other visitors.

Valley Health appreciates your help in keeping the babies safe.

For more details, please visit: valleyhealthlink.com/nicu

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

Child safety seat week

Used with permission of Clarke County Sheriff Travis Sumption

Child Safety Seat Week is September 21st -27th.

During Child Passenger Safety Week, the Clarke County Sheriff’s Department is committed to keeping every child safe in the car.

Virginia law requires all children under age 8 to be properly secured in a child safety seat or booster seat, regardless of height or weight.

A booster seat should be used after a child outgrows the forward facing car seat (harness) by height or weight.

Children should remain in a booster seat until both of the following are true:

They are at least 8 years old; and the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belts fit properly.

  • Lap belt fits low and snug on upper thighs, not the stomach.
  • Shoulder belt rests on the shoulder and chest, not the neck or arm.
  • Child sits back with knees bent at seat edge, feet flat on the floor.

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

FRPD and Town officials continue school zone safety programs

Front Royal Police Department seal used by permission

As the start of the new school year approaches, the Front Royal Police Department, in partnership with the Town of Front Royal, is continuing its commitment to protecting the community’s most vulnerable residents, its children.

To promote safer driving near schools, the Town previously introduced an automated speed enforcement program in designated school zones.

This initiative includes warning signs, flashing lights, digital speed indicators, and photo enforcement devices, all designed to alert drivers, reduce speeding, and enhance student safety.

With classes resuming on August 12th for public schools, officials are reminding drivers that speeding in active school zones will result in a summons when warning lights are flashing, school is in session, and children are present.

“This is a critical opportunity for our community to prioritize safety,” said a spokesperson from the Front Royal Police Department. “Slowing down near schools can save lives and make a lasting difference for the students and families of Front Royal.”

Town officials urge all motorists to remain alert, obey posted speed limits, and support efforts to keep Front Royal safe, especially for its youngest residents.

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

Governor Youngkin gives winter storm update

Heavy winter weather has impacted several localities after the past two winter storms, leaving over 200,000 customers without power at its peak.

As of 7 p.m. on Thursday, more than 120,000 remain without power, especially in western Virginia.

Governor Youngkin is warning that the weekend forecast calls for more rain, high winds, and potential flooding.

The Virginia Emergency Support Team has been activated since Sunday and will continue coordinating efforts at
the state operations center.

Authorities are focused on restoring utilities, ensuring safety, and keeping residents informed of hazardous conditions.

As we transition from winter weather to potential flooding concerns this weekend, below are some flood safety and preparedness tips.

Failing to evacuate flooded areas, entering flood waters, or remaining after a flood has passed can result in injury or death.

Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry.

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States.

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

December is national impaired driving prevention awareness month

The Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office would like to acknowledge December as National Impaired Driving Prevention Awareness Month.

The holidays are always a fun time to gather with friends and family.

Although they want everyone to enjoy this special time, they ask that
you stop and think about staying safe and being responsible.

Since December has a higher accident rate on average than other months, we urge you to remember the importance of being in the proper state, when behind the wheel.

Let’s work together and stay safe this holiday season!

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

Be safe while shopping

International Automotive Components Group

The Shenandoah County Sherriff Department would like you to be safe while holiday shopping.

Avoid shopping alone, try to shop with a family member or friend.

Park in well lite areas.

Keep your purchases concealed, place them in your trunk or under your seats.

Be aware of your surroundings and have a plan in case you are separated from your child.

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