What is Ready Virginia? A statewide public education campaign that encourages Virginians to prepare for emergencies and disasters Patterned on the national Ready campaign sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and The Advertising Council Goal is to increase Virginia’s level of preparedness by getting residents involved

National Preparedness Month September 2009 is the sixth annual National Preparedness Month. Ready Virginia supports NPM and encourages public and private organizations to register as Coalition members and to sponsor events. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is a Coalition member. Go to to register. Then you have access to the NPM Web site and toolkit of templates and tips for promoting emergency preparedness.

NPM 2009 Goal To change perceptions about emergency preparedness and help Americans understand what it truly means to be Ready There is a disconnect in Virginia and the nation. People believe they are ready, but they are not.

Perception vs. Reality 71% of Virginians do not have four essentials, which indicate a minimum level of preparedness: Three days’ pre-packaged food Three days’ water (gallon/person/day) Working battery powered radio with NOAA weather band and extra batteries Written family emergency plan

During NPM 2009, We Can … … challenge people’s belief that they are adequately prepared or can improvise in a disaster/emergency … recast personal responsibility in a new light, reminding Virginians that they are “their own first responder” … ask Virginians: Are you ready? Are you really Ready?

Why Is Preparedness Important? Emergency preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone should have a personal response plan for a disaster. Everyone should know who their first responders are at the local and state levels. Everyone should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least the first 72 hours.

Let’s Start With a Family Plan You may not be together when an emergency happens. Sit down as a family and plan in advance what you will do in an emergency and how you will get in touch with each other. Write it down. ReadyVirginia.gov has a template to help you get started.

Consider This in Your Plan Older Americans and Individuals with Disabilities or Other Special Needs Develop an emergency plan that considers each person’s needs, including a personal support network to call on in the event of an emergency. Pets Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure someone is available to care for, or evacuate, your pets if you are unable to do so.

Now Let’s Get Supplies Include basic supplies for your family and pets for three days. Think about preparing two kits: one for home and a smaller portable kit to take with you if you have to leave.

Emergency Supply Kit The larger at-home kit should include: Three day supply of food Non-perishable - not requiring refrigeration, cooking or water for preparation Examples: canned food, granola bars Include a manual can opener, if necessary Three day supply of water One gallon per person and pet per day for three days Store in clean, sealed plastic bottles Need for water can vary based on climate and special needs

Emergency Supply Kit Radio Battery-powered With NOAA weather alert function Extra batteries Flashlight Extra batteries First Aid Kit With specific items for your family/personal needs Whistle To signal for help if trapped Wrench or Pliers To turn off utilities if necessary

Pet Supplies If you have a pet, include pet supplies in your emergency supply kit: Food Water Medicine Medical records Collar with ID tag Harness or leash Crate or other pet carrier Familiar items such as toys, treats and bedding Picture of you with your pet for identification purposes

Stay or Go? In some situations authorities may urge you to evacuate. Hurricane, flood, fire, etc. Know where you are going before you leave. Plan now! In other situations, staying where you are and avoiding danger is best. If air is contaminated or there are large amounts of debris in the air Listen to instructions from local emergency management officials.

Evacuating Know where you are going. Make a plan. Choose several destinations in different directions. Plan driving routes. Have maps and alternate routes. If you do not have a car, know your public transportation options. Take your emergency supply kit. Take your pets. Plan in advance for pet friendly lodging.

Shelter-in-place Get inside. Close and lock doors, windows, air vents and fireplace. Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced air heating systems. Go into an interior room with few windows. Bring your pets with you. Take your emergency supply kit. Seal all windows, doors and air vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape.

Stay Informed Learn more about: Different types of emergencies and their appropriate responses The emergencies that are more likely to affect your area of Virginia Emergency plans in your community

Citizen Corps brings community members and organizations together in emergency preparedness, planning, mitigation, response and recovery. Contact Virginia’s Citizen Corps program manager, to find out more about outreach and education, training and exercises, and volunteer programs. (804) , ext OR contact your local Citizen Corps Council. Go to for more. Get Involved

Get Ready today! To learn more about how to prepare yourself and your family, visit and