Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness


Do you and your family know how to prepare for an emergency such as a hurricane, tornado, chemical spill or winter weather?  Below you will find tips so you can be prepared.


Prepare your home for winter weather.

  • Make sure your home is properly insulated
  • Check the weather stripping around your windows and doors
  • Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts o Have additional heat sources on hand in case of a power outages
  • Keep a fire extinguisher accessible
  • Replace the batteries in your Carbon Monoxide detector annually
  • And along with that we encourage everybody to follow the safety guidelines when utilizing generators or kerosene heaters.

We also can’t ignore the safety risks that come with clearing snow.

Overexertion during snow shoveling activities can bring on a heart attack which believe it or not is a major cause of death in the winter.

Watch for signs of frostbite, watch for signs of hypothermia.

Please heed warnings to avoid travel. If you absolutely have to be on the roadway, prepare your vehicle and have a kit for you and your passengers. This could include items such as:

  • Blankets
  • Drinking water and snacks for everyone in the car, including pets
  • Boots
  • Basic first-aid kit
  • Warm coat and insulating layers (sweatpants, gloves, hat, socks,)
  • Rags, paper towels or pre-moistened wipes
  • Basic set of tools
  • Car emergency warning devices such as road flares or reflectors
  • Ice scraper/snow brush
  • Jumper cables/jump pack
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Cash
  • Items for children such as diapers, baby wipes, toys, etc.
  • Flashlight, with extra batteries
  • Hand warmers
  • Paper map
  • Portable smartphone power bank
  • Extra medication
  • Garbage bags
  • Traction aid such as sand, salt or non-clumping cat litter
  • Tarp, raincoat and gloves
  • Shovel

If you must travel during the storm, please take these safety tips into consideration:

  • Know Before You Go! Before heading out, check Virginia road conditions at www.511virginia.org or download the VDOT 511 app. Do not call 911 or #77 for road conditions. Please leave these emergency lines open for emergencies only.
  • Clear ALL snow and ice from the roof, trunk, hood and windows of your vehicle - car, SUV, minivan, pickup truck, commercial vehicle - before you travel.
  • Use your headlights - in rain and snow. Virginia law requires headlights on when your wipers are active.
  • Drive for conditions - slow your speed and increase your traveling distance between the vehicle ahead of you.
Emergency Management
6602 Courts Drive, 2nd Floor
Prince George, VA 23875

Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator

Brion Bear 804-722-8614
Email Me

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