We are also working to train, inform and, if necessary, make the entire Virginia Emergency Support Team (VEST) operational. VEST is made up of representatives from specialist agencies who work together to support our 133 local governments. When the time comes to activate VEST for a possible storm, we will coordinate the overall response with the governor’s office, state agency partners and locations. We coordinate everything from logistics to finances to public information and resource requests from affected jurisdictions. Should a storm hit the Commonwealth, we will also coordinate rescue activities.
How do you work with communities, public safety agencies, and other related agencies across the country and state?
The VDEM has seven regional offices that regularly work directly with our locations. They plan, train, and train with their local emergency managers and public safety partners to ensure preparedness for all threats.
Our regional employees have extensive knowledge of their legal systems and their needs before, during and after a major event. Before the start of a hurricane season, we host a series of webinars for our communities, elected officials, leaders, and federal government partners to share our current plans, get updates, and facilitate the exchange of information.
Business continuity management is all about building relationships before an incident, and we can honestly say that it is these partnerships and relationships that allow us to streamline our response, lean forward, and get things done on time.