ReadyVB: Take Steps to Prepare for Emergencies During National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, an annual reminder to residents that preparing for emergencies and disasters can keep them, their families and the Virginia Beach community safe. 

Building and sustaining a resilient community is top priority for the Virginia Beach Emergency Management. It created the “ReadyVB” campaign, which aims to ensure residents have the tools they need to prepare for disasters and build resilience before disaster strikes. 

Preparing for emergencies is key. Here are a few steps you can take during National Preparedness Month. 

Make a Plan

Create an emergency preparedness plan that includes emergency contacts, important health and medical information in case of separation or communication disruptions. 

The City created a free, fillable emergency preparedness plan template that residents can download at no cost. Use this template to create a personalized emergency preparedness plan for you or your family. 

Build a Kit

Assemble an emergency kit with essential supplies to sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours. The kit should include non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra medications, personal hygiene items, cash, important documents and extra clothing. To help you build an effective emergency kit, how many to make, and where to store them, VirginiaBeach.gov/ReadyVB has several tips and resources.   

Don’t forget to add your pets into your family's emergency preparations and evacuation plans! Follow these tips to prepare your pets for disasters.  

Stay Ahead. Stay Informed. 

Residents are encouraged to sign up for VBAlert, an emergency alert and warning system that sends messages to registered users via text, email and phone. Text VBALERT to 67283 to opt in. Reply STOP at any time to opt out. You can also sign up at eccs.virginiabeach.gov/vbalert.  

The service allows residents to receive emergency alerts and messages such as: 

• Weather watches and warnings
• Evacuation announcements 
• Rabid animal alerts
• Police, Fire or EMS activity
• Hazardous Materials Incident
• Boil water advisories 
• Transportation disruptions (road closures, major traffic incidents) 

Emergency notifications and information are posted on the City’s social media platforms, Facebook, X (Twitter), Nextdoor and Instagram. Be sure to follow @CityofVaBeach. The City’s website, VirginiaBeach.gov, is another excellent place to find emergency preparedness information and alerts.  

TV and radio are other platforms that the City will use to share information and emergency notifications. VBTV Cable Channels — Cox Channel 46, 47 and 48 and Verizon Channel 45, 46 and 47 — provide emergency information including the City's operational status and facilities closure notices.  

• ReadyVB

The City of Virginia Beach Emergency Management team promotes a comprehensive emergency management program to mitigate Virginia Beach's impacts from man-made, natural, or technological disasters. Learn more at VirginiaBeach.gov/ReadyVB.