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.

Flood Awareness Week

Virginia is observing Flood Awareness Week in Virginia is wrapping up today, reminding residents across the Shenandoah Valley to prepare for possible flooding.

Officials say flooding is one of the most common natural disasters in the state and encourage families to review emergency plans, know their flood risk, and never drive through flooded roads.

More safety tips are available through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

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

September is National Preparedness Month!

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s theme this year is “Preparedness Starts at Home.”

They encouraging everyone to take four simple steps to get ready for any emergency:

1. Know the risks in your area and how to stay safe.

2. Make a family emergency plan.

3. Build an emergency supply kit.

4. Get involved, help your community prepare too!

Start today. Being ready starts with you at home.

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

VDEM warns about cabin fever

Another round of winter storms is on the way, and with it, the winter blues.

As the season can bring feelings of isolation and sadness know as “cabin fever” or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), it’s important to take care of your mental health.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) encourages you to stay active, embrace hobbies, stay connected, and get outside, even on cold days.

If feelings of depression persist, reach out to a mental health professional.

Dealing with the winter blues can be challenging.

Here are some mental health tips to help:

1. Stay Active-Engage in indoor exercises or try winter sports to boost endorphins.

2. Light Therapy-Use a “light therapy” to combat SAD. Keep your home and work area
well lit to brighten up your environment.

3. Stay Connected-Keep in touch with friends and family through calls and/or video chats to maintain social connections.

4. Mindfulness and Meditation-Practice mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress and improve mood.

5. Healthy Routine-Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and eat a balanced diet to support overall well-being.

6. Get Outside- Even on cold days, try to get some fresh air and natural light.

7. Set Goals-Focus on small, achievable goals to create a sense of purpose and progress.

8. Limit News Consumption- Take breaks from news and social media if they contribute to stress.

9. Seek Professional Help- If feelings of depression or anxiety persist, consider reaching out to a mental health professional.

For more information please visit, vaemergency.gov/threats/winter-weather

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

VDEM reminds a connected community is a resilient community

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) reminds everyone that a connected community is a resilient community.

With storms expected to move across the Commonwealth today and tomorrow, some could be severe, bringing gusty winds throughout the area and some thunderstorms on Sunday.

Stay informed by monitoring local weather forecasts, and if you’re traveling, keep an eye on conditions along your route.

Make sure you have a reliable way to receive weather alerts.

Stay safe and check on your elderly neighbors!

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

WCFR respond to a fire and Haz-Mat incident

Warren County Fire and Rescue (WCFR) report their response to a fire and Haz-Mat situation early April 30.

Personnel responded to a commercial vehicle fire and Haz-Mat incident on Route 66 west mile marker 1 just past 2 A.M. April 30.

On arrival firefighters found a tractor trailer cargo on fire bellowing dense black smoke.

The cargo consisted of approximately 4,700 gallons of aircraft grade hydraulic oil.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire quickly but worked to ensure and contain any product or fire suppression run off from affecting adjoining property.

During fire suppression efforts Route 66 west was initially closed completely for approximately 2 hours.

Eventually a single lane was opened with a temporary delay and backup during the cleanup and abatement process.

Both the Virginia Departments of Emergency Management Hazardous Materials Office and Environmental Quality were called in and determined that all hazardous materials and fire suppression run off had been contained.

There was no threat to public land or waterways and no injures were reported in the incident.

Over 42,800 pounds of cargo was affected by the fire and needed to be offloaded.

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

It is Severe Weather Awareness Week VA. 3/7-3/11

Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) announced that it is severe weather awareness week.

This is a week designed to refresh, remind and educate citizens about seasonal threats from severe weather.

It is also a good time to make and practice your own emergency plan.

The VDEM and National Weather Service team up to promote severe weather awareness during the week.

Social media pages from VDEM will have information and ways to stay safe in the advent of severe weather all week.

Today Mon. Mar. 7 the focus is on Watches vs. Warnings.

Tomorrow Tue. Mar. 8 the annual statewide tornado drill will be held at 9:45 a.m..

Wed. Mar. 9 is focused on Severe Thunderstorms, Hail and Wind.

Thur. Mar. 10 the focus will be Flash Flooding preparation.

Fri. Mar.11 the focus will be on Lighting Awareness.

During the annual Tornado Drill Tues. all schools, businesses and families are encouraged to participate in the drill.

There will not be an alert tone Tues. but the drill alert will be broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio along with a monthly test alert on local radio stations.

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