The Office of Emergency Management
The Office of Emergency Management's mission is to plan, prepare for and mitigate emergencies; educate the public on preparedness; coordinate and support responses to and recovery from emergencies; collect and disseminate critical information; and seek and obtain funding and other aid in support of overall preparedness for the City of Richmond. The Office of Emergency Management provides resources and knowledge in four major areas: Preparedness, Response, Recovery and Mitigation.
Spotlight
Tornadoes and Severe Thunderstorms
Tornadoes are considered to be the most violent of all storms. Created from powerful thunderstorms tornadoes extend to the ground in a funnel shaped cloud. Technology has the ability to predict when the circumstances exist that may result in the formation of a tornado, but is unable to determine when it may occur, where it could touchdown, and how severe. While only one percent of thunderstorms produce tornadoes, the results can be devastating.
In addition to tornadoes having damaging wind speed, the funnel cloud will often have debris within its walls. Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so it is important to seek shelter during a tornado warning. If you are in a building go to the lowest level of an interior room away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Additionally, tornadoes may cause damage to power lines, gas lines, and electrical systems. So it is equally important to take precautions after the storm to protect you and your family.
Visit Ready Virginia for more information on tornado safety
Citizen Preparedness
Following a disaster it may take 72 hours for outside assistance to reach your community. Are you ready?
Richmond Ready Radio Chats
Richmond Fire and Emergency Services, Office of Emergency Management has collaborated with WRIR, 97.3FM, to host live interviews. The Richmond Ready initiative will feature subject matter experts discussing emergency preparedness tips. Check back soon for the 2012 schedule and be sure to tune in!
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Contact Information
Phone: 804.646.2504
Email: Ask Emergency Management
