Karla RamosHispanic Liaison/Public Affairs Assistant

www.ReadyVirginia.gov www.ListoVirginia.gov www.vaemergency.com

VDEM Mission

Working to protect People, Property and our Communities

Reporting directly to the Secretary of Public Safety and the Governor Preparation Response Recovery Mitigation

What is Ready Virginia?

Ready Virginia and its Spanish counterpart, Listo Virginia, are statewide public education efforts to prepare Virginians for all hazards.

They are based on the federal Ready and Listo campaigns.

Clear National Messages

Emergency preparedness is everyone’s responsibility.

Everyone should have a personal response plan for a disaster.

Everyone should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least the first 72 hours.

Core Messages

Ready Virginia has three core messages:

These reinforce messages from the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.

Get a kit Make a plan Stay informed

Why Do We Need this?

Recent research shows us that Virginians:understand what the messages meanknow they should get ready for emergenciesknow that being prepared can reduce harm

caused by natural and human-caused events

However, as many as half have not taken any of the steps to get ready.

Perception vs. Reality

71% do not have these four essential supplies: 3-day supply of non-perishable food 3-day supply of water (gallon/person/day) Working battery operated radio Household communications plan

Get a Kit

Minimum: Three days’ food and water Water – 1 gallon per

person per day Battery-powered radio

Then add: Flashlights, extra batteries First aid kit/medications Personal items Pet supplies Important papers Cash

Make a Plan

Write it down. Do you have a family

meeting place in case you cannot return home?

Do you have an out-of-town family contact?

Stay Informed

What types of threats could affect you?

Listen to the most local news from emergency officials.

Get a radio with a NOAA Weather Band and alert messages.

Strategic Outreach Plan

2008, 2009 research revealed: Major misperception – 54% feel prepared, but 71%

of those do not have 4 critical supplies. Who needs Ready Virginia? Least prepared are the oldest (65+) and the youngest

(34-) Families with children 56% of Hispanic residents don’t feel prepared.

Research Findings

The top 13 cities/counties with the highest percentage of Hispanic population in Virginia

Region City/County Total PopulationPercentage of Hispanic

Hispanic Population

7 Manassas Park city 11,319 29.74% 3,500

7 Manassas city 35,205 28.57% 11,000

7 Prince William County 364,734 19.12% 70,000

4 Galax city 6,808 16.04% 1,100

7 Arlington County 209,969 15.99% 35,000

7 Fairfax County 1,015,302 14.10% 150,000

3 Harrisonburg city 44,015 13.84% 7,000

7 Alexandria city 143,885 13.46% 20,000

7 Fairfax city 23,844 13.41% 3,500

2 Winchester city 25,897 11.81% 3,100

7 Loudoun County 289,995 10.43% 31,000

5 Accomack County 38,180 9.25% 3,530

7 Stafford County 121,736 8.69% 11,000

Hispanic population:• Fastest growing county in U.S. – Frederick County• 6% of VA population; 7% of all K-12 children• 15% in Region 7; 1 million in Fairfax County• Galax: 16%; Harrisonburg: 14%

2009-2010 Outreach:

Media campaign: Newspaper ads and media Web site ads for Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday Radio ads for hurricane preparedness, flood season and making your kit Radio ads during World Cup soccer games Sponsorship of “Enfoque a la Comunidad” live community affairs radio program Translation of agency news releases into Spanish

New Printed Materials

Brochure Emergency kit flyer Hurricane Guide Family plan Flyer for migrant workers Magnet Tabletop display

Community Events

La Feria de la Oportunidad Children’s Museum of Richmond Survivorship Day for Richmond Office of

Emergency Management Sponsors of “Enlace a la Comunidad” Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Presentations to organizations and groups

Disasters and Emergencies

Supported VDH media outreach during H1N1 outbreak

Provide media interviews in Spanish from VEOC during emergencies

Special Assistance

Working with local emergency managersExample: Accomack

County and migrant workers

Identifying communities with high percentage of Hispanic population

www.ListoVirginia.gov

You can help

Emergency preparedness starts at home. There is a role for families, communities,

businesses and government.

Karla RamosHispanic Liaison/Public Affairs Assistant

www.ReadyVirginia.gov www.ListoVirginia.gov www.vaemergency.com