1. Karla Ramos Hispanic Liaison/Public Affairs Assistant www.ReadyVirginia.govwww.ReadyVirginia.gov www.ListoVirginia.govwww.ListoVirginia.gov www.vaemergency.com

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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?

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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 city11,31929.74%3,500 7Manassas city35,20528.57%11,000 7Prince William County364,73419.12%70,000 4Galax city6,80816.04%1,100 7Arlington County209,96915.99%35,000 7Fairfax County1,015,30214.10%150,000 3Harrisonburg city44,01513.84%7,000 7Alexandria city143,88513.46%20,000 7Fairfax city23,84413.41%3,500 2Winchester city25,89711.81%3,100 7Loudoun County289,99510.43%31,000 5Accomack County38,1809.25%3,530 7Stafford County121,7368.69%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%

13. 2009-2010 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

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

15. 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

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

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

18. www.ListoVirginia.gov

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

20. Karla Ramos Hispanic Liaison/Public Affairs Assistant www.ReadyVirginia.govwww.ReadyVirginia.gov www.ListoVirginia.govwww.ListoVirginia.gov www.vaemergency.com