ReadyVB: Help to Ensure All Virginia Beach Residents are Prepared for Emergencies

City survey seeks information from organizations that serve residents with disabilities

Helping to ensure that Virginia Beach residents are prepared for emergencies is a mission of the Virginia Beach Department of Emergency Management (VBEM). Staff work to mitigate the effects from natural, human-made and technological disasters and emergency incidents.

While the health and safety of Virginia Beach residents is a top priority for the City of Virginia Beach, we can’t do it alone.

It is important that residents are as prepared as possible to keep themselves safe during emergencies and know what to do during emergencies. VBEM provides information and resources to help.

Disabled residents have unique needs or obstacles that can make emergency preparations more difficult. VBEM is seeking to understand the needs and the level of preparedness of residents with disabilities, especially in case of evacuations and the availability of important medical supplies, so it is better able to assist organizations and individuals.

Organizations that serve Virginia Beach residents with disabilities are being asked to complete a survey on services the organization provides, evacuation plans, emergency medical supplies and methods of communication.

It is expected that this survey will be repeated annually or biannually to measure readiness.  Organizations that work with the City of Virginia Beach will receive a link to the survey in email. It will be available through Nov. 30. Only one representative per organization should complete the survey.

If you are a Virginia Beach resident with disabilities, please encourage organizations that assist you to complete the survey. By completing the survey, organizations are helping to ensure that Virginia Beach residents with disabilities are prepared for emergencies.

If you know of an organization that serves Virginia Beach residents with disabilities but has not received an email with the survey link, please email Speakup@vbgov.com.

Questions about the survey can be directed to Danielle Spach, VBEM mitigation program manager, at 757-385-8585 or DRSpach@VBgov.com.

Thank you for helping to make Virginia Beach more resilient to emergencies and disasters.