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Citizen Corps
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Finance Division • Human Resources • Local Support Services Division • Office of Training and Exercises • Operations Division • Preparedness Division • Public Affairs Office • Recovery and Mitigation Division • Technological Hazards Division
The VDEM Public Affairs Office is responsible for effectively communicating public safety information to the general population, the population at risk during an emergency, the media and local governments in a timely, accurate and consistent manner during emergency and non-emergency times.
Keeping the public informed is a critical element of effective disaster response. Through news releases, public service announcements and radio and television interviews, PAO ensures that the latest information is released to disaster-stricken localities and to the general public. In cooperation with local radio and television stations, PAO also coordinates the use of the Emergency Alert System to warn citizens should a nuclear power plant accident or other type of emergency occur.
To better prepare citizens to face disasters of all types, the Public Affairs Office works with the National Weather Service and other state/service organizations to spearhead three intensive public awareness campaigns each year: Severe Weather, Hurricane Preparedness, and Winter Preparedness. The Severe Weather Campaign runs through the spring and is divided into three distinct components promoting tornado, flood and thunderstorm preparedness and safety. When requested, VDEM staff will assist localities in planning effective community outreach campaigns.
Public Affairs staff are available to answer media inquiries at all times:
For more information, please contact the VDEM Public Affairs Office