EM Update

Due to budgetary constraints, VDEM must cancel a class if a minimum of 15 students have not enrolled two weeks before the class begins. Sign up early.

The Commonwealth of Virginia’s Learning Management System Knowledge Center provides information and enrollment for each class. Students who do not already have an account through any state agency Learning Management System domain must register for a VDEM LMS account (a one-time process) in order to enroll. Students who have an account through any state agency should log in at that agency’s LMS address and enroll in the desired course(s). Help videos for registration and enrollment processes are provided on the VDEM LMS login page at https://covkc.virginia.gov/vdem/external/. Assistance is available from VDEM’s LMS Help Desk at lmshelp@vdem.virginia.gov or (804) 897-9995.

The table below lists VDEM courses for the next quarter:

* This course open to Manassas and Manassas Park personnel only. May be opened to others if maximum enrollment is not exceeded.

IS-909 - Community Preparedness: Implementing Simple Activities for Everyone

This new online course will help students learn how to build a prepared and engaged community. The focus is building community based preparedness programs. The primary audience for the course is emergency managers and faith based and non-profit organizations.

Read more about the class and register: http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is909.asp

Participate in the Statewide Tornado Drill

Registration is now open for the March 20 Statewide Tornado Drill at www.ReadyVirginia.gov. Businesses, schools, organizations, families and individuals are encouraged to take part in this critical safety exercise. 2011 was a tough year in Virginia for tornadoes – here’s a look back:

• 51 tornadoes hit, the second highest number on record (87 in 2004)

• Most tornadoes struck during April, but tornadoes also were recorded in March, May, August, September, October and November

• In April, 10 people died and more than 100 were injured

• In April, 212 homes were destroyed and more than 1,050 homes and businesses were damaged

• Nearly every part of Virginia experienced tornadoes during 2011 - Southwest Virginia, Southside Virginia, Roanoke Valley, Shenandoah Valley, Central Virginia, Northern Virginia, Middle Peninsula, Hampton Roads

Encourage participation in the Statewide Tornado Drill in your community. Learn more about tornado safety and how to hold a drill at www.Ready.Virginia.gov.

How to communicate during disasters

Dozens of destructive tornadoes, an historic earthquake, Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee all hit Virginia in 2011. In the minutes and hours after these disasters, it was difficult to make calls on cell phones because the mobile networks were so busy. Ready Virginia has created a new downloadable tip sheet about phone use during disasters. Topics include “Before a Disaster: How to Prepare Your Home and Mobile Device” and “During and After a Disaster: How to Reach Friends, Loved Ones & Emergency Services.” For more go to http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/stayinformed/how-to-communicate .

To download and print the tip sheet, go to: http://www.vaemergency.gov/sites/default/files/Communicate.pdf

For a Spanish version of the tip sheet: http://www.vaemergency.gov/sites/default/files/Listo_Communicate.pdf

Updated earthquake recovery efforts

So far, more than $25 million in disaster aid has been approved for earthquake recovery in Virginia.

Almost 4,600 households have registered for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

More than $8.4 million in grants have been approved for home repairs.

More than $2.3 million in loans have been approved by the SBA for homeowners, renters and business owners affected by the earthquake.

More than $14.5 million has been approved to repair public infrastructure such as schools and other buildings.

City of Fairfax and NWS produce severe weather ads

The City of Fairfax and the National Weather Service have partnered to develop a series of video public service announcements on severe weather. The PSAs air on the city’s cable channel and are available online.
View the PSAs: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL52CE4E85EB3B6F79&feature=plcp

Like Virginia Department of Emergency Management Training on Facebook for updates on upcoming courses!

Due to budgetary constraints, VDEM must cancel a class if a minimum of 15 students have not enrolled two weeks before the class begins. Sign up early.

The Commonwealth of Virginia’s Learning Management System Knowledge Center provides information and enrollment for each class. Students who do not already have an account through any state agency Learning Management System domain must register for a VDEM LMS account (a one-time process) in order to enroll. Students who have an account through any state agency should log in at that agency’s LMS address and enroll in the desired course(s). Help videos for registration and enrollment processes are provided on the VDEM LMS login page at https://covkc.virginia.gov/vdem/external/. Assistance is available from VDEM’s LMS Help Desk at lmshelp@vdem.virginia.gov or (804) 897-9995.

The table below lists VDEM courses for the next quarter:

* This course open to Manassas and Manassas Park personnel only. May be opened to others if maximum enrollment is not exceeded.

Registration open for 2012 Virginia Emergency Management Symposium

Registration for the 2012 Virginia Emergency Management Symposium is now open. Topics include the response to the Louisa Earthquake, Hurricane Irene, Caroline County bus accident, cyberterrorism, corporate emergency management and more.

The conference will be held March 28-30 at the Hilton Richmond Hotel and Spa in Short Pump.

More information: http://www.vemaweb.org/content/symposium2012/

Hampton Roads Regional Citizen Corps Council launches new website

The Hampton Roads Regional Citizen Corps Council recently launched ReadyHamptonRoads.org to encourage residents to become better prepared for disasters by becoming involved and trained through one of the five Citizen Corps programs.

In addition to the new website, HRRCCC initiatives also include regional training equipment and an interactive mobile application for smart phones. The app, which will launch later this year, will have gamers build a kit, prepare for a hurricane evacuation and a winter storm. A simpler click and drag web version for younger children will be available as well. 

The HRRCCC is comprised of representatives from each of the sixteen Hampton Roads jurisdictions in addition to the program volunteer coordinators and Virginia Department of Health staff.  The project is funded through a Department of Homeland Security Urban Areas Security Initiative grant that is designed to enhance capabilities of the Hampton Roads region to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from disasters.