Karla Ramos Hispanic Liaison/Public Affairs Assistant

VDEM Mission  Working to protect People, Property and our Communities  Reporting directly to the Secretary of Public Safety and the Governor  Preparation  Response  Recovery  Mitigation

What is Ready Virginia?  Ready Virginia and its Spanish counterpart, Listo Virginia, are statewide public education efforts to prepare Virginians for all hazards.  They are based on the federal Ready and Listo campaigns.

Clear National Messages  Emergency preparedness is everyone’s responsibility.  Everyone should have a personal response plan for a disaster.  Everyone should be prepared to be self- sufficient for at least the first 72 hours.

Core Messages Ready Virginia has three core messages: These reinforce messages from the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.  Get a kit  Make a plan  Stay informed

Why Do We Need this?  Recent research shows us that Virginians: understand what the messages mean know they should get ready for emergencies know that being prepared can reduce harm caused by natural and human-caused events  However, as many as half have not taken any of the steps to get ready.

Perception vs. Reality  71% do not have these four essential supplies: 3-day supply of non-perishable food 3-day supply of water (gallon/person/day) Working battery operated radio Household communications plan

Get a Kit  Minimum:  Three days’ food and water  Water – 1 gallon per person per day  Battery-powered radio  Then add:  Flashlights, extra batteries  First aid kit/medications  Personal items  Pet supplies  Important papers  Cash

Make a Plan  Write it down.  Do you have a family meeting place in case you cannot return home?  Do you have an out- of-town family contact?

Stay Informed  What types of threats could affect you?  Listen to the most local news from emergency officials.  Get a radio with a NOAA Weather Band and alert messages.

Strategic Outreach Plan  2008, 2009 research revealed:  Major misperception – 54% feel prepared, but 71% of those do not have 4 critical supplies.  Who needs Ready Virginia? Least prepared are the oldest (65+) and the youngest (34-) Families with children 56% of Hispanic residents don’t feel prepared.

Research Findings The top 13 cities/counties with the highest percentage of Hispanic population in Virginia RegionCity/CountyTotal Population Percentage of Hispanic Hispanic Population 7Manassas Park city11, %3,500 7Manassas city35, %11,000 7Prince William County364, %70,000 4Galax city6, %1,100 7Arlington County209, %35,000 7Fairfax County1,015, %150,000 3Harrisonburg city44, %7,000 7Alexandria city143, %20,000 7Fairfax city23, %3,500 2Winchester city25, %3,100 7Loudoun County289, %31,000 5Accomack County38, %3,530 7Stafford County121, %11,000 Hispanic population: Fastest growing county in U.S. – Frederick County 6% of VA population; 7% of all K-12 children 15% in Region 7; 1 million in Fairfax County Galax: 16%; Harrisonburg: 14%

Outreach:  Media campaign:  Newspaper ads and media Web site ads for Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday  Radio ads for hurricane preparedness, flood season and making your kit  Radio ads during World Cup soccer games  Sponsorship of “Enfoque a la Comunidad” live community affairs radio program  Translation of agency news releases into Spanish

New Printed Materials  Brochure  Emergency kit flyer  Hurricane Guide  Family plan  Flyer for migrant workers  Magnet  Tabletop display

Community Events  La Feria de la Oportunidad  Children’s Museum of Richmond  Survivorship Day for Richmond Office of Emergency Management  Sponsors of “Enlace a la Comunidad”  Hispanic Chamber of Commerce  Presentations to organizations and groups

Disasters and Emergencies  Supported VDH media outreach during H1N1 outbreak  Provide media interviews in Spanish from VEOC during emergencies

Special Assistance  Working with local emergency managers Example: Accomack County and migrant workers  Identifying communities with high percentage of Hispanic population

You can help  Emergency preparedness starts at home.  There is a role for families, communities, businesses and government.

Karla Ramos Hispanic Liaison/Public Affairs Assistant