An Introduction To VDEM Jeff Caldwell VDEM Director

An Introduction To VDEM Jeff Caldwell VDEM Director of External Affairs Jeff. caldwell@vdem. virginia. gov 804 -897 -9730

WHO WE ARE: VDEM works with local government, state and federal agencies and voluntary organizations to provide resources and expertise through the five mission areas of emergency management: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prevention Protection Mitigation Response Recovery To learn more about ways VDEM is working to improve disaster preparedness, response and recovery, visit www. vaemergency. gov.

VDEM’s Impact on Virginia • Statewide Emergency Response Programs – HAZMAT, Search and Rescue, Emergency Support for localities • • $20 million in grants for Virginia $6 million general fund budget $3 million in special funds Completed 375 Public Assistance grants through FEMA to help Virginia localities • Paid out $33 million in federal and state disaster assistance

STATUTORY AUTHORITY (VA Code Ann. § 44 -146. 18) • Originally created in 1973 • Tasked with Protecting the Commonwealth from natural and man-made disasters • Works with local, state, federal agencies and voluntary organizations to provide resources during an emergency • Governor is Virginia’s chief disaster officer, delegated authority to VDEM State Coordinator to run day-to-day operations during emergency events • All state agencies and resources are subject to being called in to respond to disaster situations

Virginia Is Impacted By All Hazards 5

During a Disaster • Local Governments: – Restore/provide essential/vital services. • • • Water Power Communications Transportation Shelter Medical Care – Assist individuals and families in need – Request help from the state when needed

During a Disaster (cont. ) VDEM: • Responds to requests from local governments • Commits state resources such as the National Guard • Reviews local assessments to determine if requirements exceed state capabilities – Local situation reports – Local initial damage assessment reports – State agencies damage assessment reports – Other damage and situational information

During a Disaster (cont. ) VDEM: – Determines if a State of Emergency needs to be declared • VEOC assessment of impact • Draft Executive Order • Governor declares State of Emergency – Requests federal assistance • VEOC summary of impact on localities • Need for federal resources to recover. • FEMA determines need for military resources

What Most People Don’t Know About VDEM • Responsible for HAZMAT training and response to HAZMAT spills • Coordinates search and rescue operations statewide including more than 600 SAR volunteers • Manages Virginia’s 7 technical and urban search and rescue teams in cooperation with Virginia Dept. of Fire Programs • Coordinates sending Virginia resources and personnel to other states to respond to major disasters through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

PLANNING: OPS/STRATEGIC PLAN • Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operations Plan (COVEOP) • Local Planning Assistance • Continuity of Government/Operations • Flood planning 10

VDEM’s 7 Regions • • Regions provide single source of communication between agency and localities Coordination of state assets 11

REGIONAL TEAM CONCEPT • Coordination of state assets • Regions provide single source of communication between agency and localities • Cross-training to ensure cohesion, redundancy and continuity of operations • Enhanced situational awareness and reporting • Quick, integrated response during emergencies • Fully leverage grant funding and promote sustainability • Identify and plan for evolving threats and hazards 12

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS UNIT • • • 24 -hour operations State warning point Multiple and redundant communications Alerting and warning systems Mobile capabilities 13

Virginia Emergency Support Team • Coordinate support for events, disasters and emergencies throughout the Commonwealth • More than 400 trained members – State agencies – Non-profit organizations – Private partners – Federal partners 14

Recovery and Mitigation • Joint Field Office (JFO) near disaster site to implement federal and state assistance programs • State-Federal JFO staff • State Coordinating Officer • Federal Coordinating Officer • State staff deployed to JFO • State Disaster Recovery Task Force activation • Managed grant programs to mitigate more than 1, 300 properties in the last 15 years

External Affairs • Strategic communication and outreach – Agency awareness – Emergency public information – Preparedness campaigns • Intergovernmental affairs – Local and state Elected Officials outreach – Legislation impact analysis

QUESTIONS? Jeff Caldwell (804) 897 -9730 jeff. caldwell@vdem. virginia. gov For more information, visit www. vaemergency. gov Twitter: @VDEM www. facebook. com/VAemergency/