Henrico County Emergency Management

Henrico County Emergency Management Creating and fostering a safe, sound, and prepared public environment for Henrico County. What is Emergency Management?

Definition: Emergency Management is the managerial function charged with creating the framework which communities reduce vulnerability to hazards and cope with disasters. Vision: Emergency Management seeks to promote safer, less vulnerable communities with the capabilities to cope with hazards and disasters. Mission: Emergency Management protects communities by coordinating and integrating all act

ivities to build, sustain, an improve the capability to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from threatened or actual natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other man-made disasters. Principles: Emergency Management must be:

1. Comprehensive: emergency managers consider and take into account all hazards, all stakeholders, and all impacts relevant to disasters
2. Progressive: emergency managers anticipate future disasters and take preventive and preparatory measures to build disaster-resistant and disaster-resistant communities.
3. Risk-Driven: emergency managers use sound risk management principles (hazard identification, risk analysis, and impact analysis) in assigning priorities and resources
4. Integrated: emergency managers ensure unity of effort among all levels of government and elements of a community
5. Collaborative: emergency managers create and sustain broad and sincere relationships with individuals and organizations to encourage trust, advocate a team atmosphere, build partnerships, and facilitate communication
6. Coordinated: Emergency managers synchronize the activities of all relevant stakeholders and partners to achieve a common purpose
7. Flexible: emergency managers use creative and innovative approaches in solving disaster related challenges
8. Professional: emergency managers value a science and knowledge-based approach leveraging education, training, experience, ethical practice, public stewardship, and continuous improvement. (Adapted from TEEX definitions of Successful Emergency Management Programs)

05/21/2026
05/19/2026

Warm temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels. Don't underestimate it and take steps to keep you, your family, and your pets safe.

⚠️ NEVER leave people or pets alone in a vehicle
💧 Drink plenty of water
👕 Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing
🆒 Spend time in air conditioning or shade

weather.gov/safety/heat

05/19/2026

Our inclement weather shelter is now in cooling center operations mode. See this week's schedule.

📍 1900 Chamberlayne Ave., Richmond, VA 23222
⏰ 1–7 PM
😀 Adults ages 18+
🧊 Hydration, snacks and a safe, air-conditioned space are available.

Families with children are encouraged to seek relief from the heat at family-appropriate public spaces, such as local libraries, community centers or pools when available.

Please share with anyone who may need a safe place to cool off.

05/18/2026

🌡️ Today kicks off Week, which is well-timed with our current forecast. We're raising awareness about the dangers of extreme heat — and how you can stay safe. ☀️ Follow along all week for tips, tools & resources!

Heat is dangerous and can result in heat-related illnesses including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or even death. Stay by learning the symptoms of heat exposure and the appropriate responses. If it's hot outside, please take precautions to keep you, your loved ones, your coworkers, and your pets safe. Everyone is susceptible to heat-related illnesses, even your pets. Take frequent breaks out of the sun and drink water even when you're not thirsty to avoid dehydration. weather.gov/safety/heat-illness

🎉 Congratulations to the Spring 2026 Henrico CERT graduates! 👏This past Saturday, 8 Henrico residents and 2 Hanover resi...
05/11/2026

🎉 Congratulations to the Spring 2026 Henrico CERT graduates! 👏

This past Saturday, 8 Henrico residents and 2 Hanover residents successfully completed our hands-on skills day and graduated from the CERT program!

A huge thank you to our incredible instructors, dedicated CERT volunteers, and our partners at Hanover CERT for helping make the day a success.

Henrico’s CERT Basic Training course follows a hybrid model, giving participants greater flexibility to fit training into their schedules. Interested in joining a future class? Learn more at https://henrico.gov/services/henrico-cert/.

05/08/2026

For today's Hurricane Preparedness Week discussion, dangers remain even after the skies turn blue behind a tropical system. This is NOT the time to put your guard down as nearly half of hurricane fatalities occur after the storm. Return home only when officials say it is safe. Be careful near damaged buildings. Walk carefully around the outside of your home to check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage, including dangerous debris such as nails or glass.

Be very careful with portable generators: carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death in areas dealing with power outages. Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even if doors and windows are open. Only use generators outside, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors, and windows.

After a hurricane, emergency responders may be overwhelmed. Be aware that it could take hours or days for them to reach your area. Communication systems may be impacted, and making phone or video calls might be difficult due to network congestion.

Cyber disruption — do you know what that term means? 🤖Last week, we were able to get a behind-the-scenes look from the V...
05/06/2026

Cyber disruption — do you know what that term means? 🤖

Last week, we were able to get a behind-the-scenes look from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management on past cyber threats to businesses around the country. We joined several localities and our fellow Henrico team members for the workshop, where we learned about the latest cyber threat tactics and how to communicate with the community if major infrastructure were damaged.

Our job is to hope for the best but prepare for the worst, and these exercises are key for our team to prepare ahead of time. We can think through different scenarios, coordinate with other departments and ensure that everyone understands the plan. Participating with other localities and universities also gives us an opportunity to trade strategies for solving similar situations!

Henrico Emergency Management is here and ready!

How Do You Prepare For A Flood? Know Your Flood Hazard! 🌧️Flooding can happen from streams, rivers, heavy rain, or even ...
04/22/2026

How Do You Prepare For A Flood? Know Your Flood Hazard! 🌧️

Flooding can happen from streams, rivers, heavy rain, or even a dam breach. Know your flood risk by checking the County Floodplain Maps to see if your property is in a FEMA or Community Special Flood Hazard Area. Remember, homes in flood zones have a 26% chance of flooding during a 30‑year mortgage.

ℹ To view the floodplain maps and for more information, visit https://henrico.gov/works/design/floodplain/.

Are you curious about how to be more prepared before an emergency occurs? The Henrico County Community Preparedness Guid...
04/07/2026

Are you curious about how to be more prepared before an emergency occurs? The Henrico County Community Preparedness Guide is your comprehensive guide to emergency preparedness! Inside, you’ll find practical tips, planning tools, and important contacts to support your journey toward resilience.💪📝

Visit https://henrico.gov/emws/ to view and start your preparedness journey!

Address

8604 Staples Mill Road
Henrico, VA
23228

Telephone

+18045015162

Website

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