The impact of disasters is one that has been observed over decades in the field of emergency management. While the work that emergency managers do is often viewed during the reaction phase, is it the work that is done during “blue-sky” days that sets the precedence for the ability to respond. To this end, those who study disasters understand that while disasters don’t discriminate, its effects are felt disproportionately across communities and cultures. Understanding the importance of historical context, it must also be noted that discriminatory practices of the past have played a role in the exacerbation of conditions for particular communities.
One example of this can be seen in the practices that subjected African-Americans, and other communities of color, to living in high risk flood plains and substandard housing that was less than able to withstand the extreme forces of a tornado or hurricane. These atrocities are well documented across history – African-Americans were the hardest hit while trying to survive and recover from the San Francisco Earthquake (1906), the Great Mississippi Flood (1927), and Hurricanes Floyd (1999) and Katrina (2005). While the legal limits on their mobility have since ended, many African-Americans today still face barriers; concentrated to disaster-prone areas without the resources to avoid harm.
As these concentrated regions of vulnerable populations grew, they created hotspots where the impacts would be harshly felt. Given this perspective of disasters, equitable disaster planning should incorporate understanding where these hotspots lie, and empowering marginalized communities to develop resiliency from within must also be at the forefront of such efforts. Yet, as research shows, less than 12% of emergency management specialists are black or African American. With disasters on the rise, laying the foundation for more African Americans and people of color to enter emergency management is key in equitable disaster planning. By expanding access to the field and integrating equity into all aspects of the planning phase, emergency management agencies can support a much-needed shift in the narrative. Moreover, such actions are necessary to undo centuries of discriminatory practices, and to work towards equitable disaster response.
 VDEM and the King George Fire and Rescue Department held a ceremonial signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) recognizing King George Fire, Rescue & Emergency Service's water rescue team into the fold of state recognized type 3 swift & flood water response teams.
The process began in 2016 with the hazard identification of how flooding and water rescue events could be mitigated by the King George department.
Geographically, on the Northern Neck peninsula, King George County is surrounded by many waterways that pose hazards to citizens and visitors, especially during significant weather events such as tropical storms and hurricanes. The agreement is set to enhance King George County's and the Commonwealth of Virginia's capabilities to protect the environment and the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the Commonwealth from water related emergencies and disasters.
 On December 14, 2023, Smyth County hosted an educational session on Telecommunications Emergency Response Team (TERT). This training was facilitated by Allyson Counts who is a 9-1-1 Dispatcher and Certified Training Officer for The Smyth County Sheriff’s 9-1-1 Center. During this session she shared valuable information on the nationwide TERT initiative. A TERT programs objective is to provide a network of skilled Public Safety Telecommunicators and associated personnel in support of Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) before, during, and after natural or human-made disasters or in direct support of PSAP operations when required. TERT is a mutual aid program designed to help train and prepare 9-1-1 operators to handle the large volume of emergency calls that come in during critical incidents that may overwhelm local agencies and deploy those operators to the areas in Virginia where they are needed.
 TERT is not a new concept in Virginia. The Virginia Chapter of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) previously had a TERT committee that developed guidelines, training, and mutual aid agreements. However, this initiative went dormant in 2015. Mutual aid for 9-1-1 is very different from other public safety disciplines. When there is a need for a fire engine from a neighboring locality due to increased call volume, the crew that responds takes their own fire truck and equipment with them to assist. If 9-1-1 operators are needed for mutual aid, they would generally have to work out of the requesting locality’s PSAP. PSAPs have a variety of critical software systems for answering 9-1-1 phone calls, dispatching responders, and providing emergency medical dispatch instructions. Unless specific training takes place or that responding dispatcher has experience working with the other PSAP’s systems, they may not be able to assist. One important element for a successful TERT program is to track what systems TERT dispatchers are trained on and match them with the systems at the PSAP requesting assistance. This way if resources are needed, we can ensure the responding resources can operate similar systems and protocols.
 While there are challenges to implementing an effective TERT program statewide, the need for this capability persists. Many PSAPs continue to face staffing shortages that make it hard to staff their 9-1-1 centers during periods of routine call volume. A critical incident, disaster, or other situation that requires additional trained emergency communicators can put an even greater strain on existing staff. There may be tactical dispatching needs for an event that a trained cadre of 9-1-1 professionals from other PSAPs could assist. Larger PSAPs in Virginia may have enough staffing to manage critical incidents without requiring outside assistance. However, rural 9-1-1 centers often need additional resources to manage these incidents. Unfortunately, without an established TERT framework in place, many of these needs go unfilled.
 Allyson Counts is representative of a new generation of 9-1-1 professionals working in PSAPs throughout Virginia. Her high energy and passion for filling this critical need has led her to research TERT in other states, create awareness training, and work towards the development of a TERT framework to support Virginia’s needs. Allyson sees TERT as a way to bring 9-1-1 centers together during a crisis, and also create opportunities for mutual learning between 9-1-1 professionals participating in deployments. One of the inspirations Allyson had for pursuing TERT is an emergency management training she attended that was facilitated by Sara Harrington who is VDEM’s Region 4 Disaster Response Recovery Officer. Sara’s extensive emergency management experience includes nine years as a 9-1-1 Communications Officer. Allyson will continue to advocate for improved tactical dispatching capabilities in Virginia.
Special thanks to Smyth County Sheriff B. C. “Chip” Shuler, 9-1-1 Manager Gabe Johnson, and Assistant 9-1-1 Manager Brandon Collins for hosting the recent TERT training. VDEM’s 9-1-1 & Geospatial Services Bureau appreciates Smyth County for helping lead this initiative and stands ready to support the ongoing effort to establish TERT resources in Virginia. Allyson will be presenting her TERT class at the NENA/APCO Spring Conference on May 15 in Williamsburg, VA.
Rich Troshak
Director of NGS Outreach
 VDEM's and the National Weather Service's (NWS) Severe Weather Awareness Week and Virginia Statewide Tornado Drill are happening next month. Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 4-8 with the tornado drill being held on Tuesday, March 5 at 9:45 a.m. VDEM and NWS plan to refresh, remind, and educate everyone about the seasonal threats from severe weather and how to avoid them. We're also encouraging people to make and practice their emergency plans.
The tornado drill will be broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio and the Emergency Alert System via the Required Monthly Test (RMT). There will not be an actual Tornado Warning issued.
Most NOAA Weather Radio receivers, including the Midland WR-100, do not sound an audible alert for the RMT product, but instead, may have a blinking light on the display to indicate that an RMT was received. As such, when the RMT for the drill is initiated, there’s a good chance that your NOAA Weather Radio will not automatically sound an alarm.
Since your NOAA Weather Radio may not sound an alarm at the time the RMT is issued, you will want to do one of the following: turn your radio on to listen to the broadcast by 9:40 a.m. and when you hear the alert, simply start your tornado drill at 9:45 a.m. If you do not have an NOAA Weather Radio, simply start your drill, and enact your safety plan at 9:45 a.m.
There will be no follow-up statements issued by the NWS to mark the end of the drill. It will simply be over when individuals, groups, schools, businesses, organizations, or families feel that they have adequately practiced their tornado shelter procedures.
For more information about the tornado drill and Severe Weather Awareness Week, please visit here.
 Do you know a young leader who is passionate about making a positive impact on their community? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is looking for students in grades eight through 11 interested in supporting disaster preparedness to join the Youth Preparedness Council (YPC).
Why is it Important for Youth to Apply?
FEMA created the Youth Preparedness Council in 2012 to bring together young leaders from across the country who are interested in disaster preparedness and community service. The YPC demonstrates FEMA’s commitment to involve America’s youth in preparedness-related activities. It also provides young people an opportunity to present their perspectives, feedback and opinions to FEMA staff.
During their terms, YPC members can make a difference in their community, gain valuable leadership and emergency management experience, and work with like-minded peers to help strengthen preparedness and resilience across the country.
What Do YPC Members Do?
YPC members meet with FEMA staff throughout their term to develop strategies, initiatives and project proposals. YPC members will also participate in a biennial YPC Summit held in Washington, D.C. At the Summit, YPC members will meet FEMA leaders and other preparedness professionals to network and learn more about the field of emergency management.
Who Should Join the YPC?
Students in grades eight through 11 who have a passion for preparedness and helping others, are involved in their community and have an aptitude for working on teams and as leaders.
Spread the Word!
You can spread the word by sharing information about the YPC with parents, educators, schools and organizations, and reaching out to friends and family! Do you know a student who would make a great candidate? Encourage them to apply today!
Download our YPC Application Promotional Toolkit for sample messaging, social media content, graphics and more.
How to Apply
The online application is now open, and closes March 4, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PT. To learn more about the YPC and application requirements, visit Ready.gov/kids/youth-preparedness-council and visit https://community.fema.gov/PreparednessCommunity/s/apply-to-ypc to apply.
FEMA will also host a webinar for potential applicants on Feb. 27, 2024. Join to learn more about the program and how to apply.
 Welcome, Tyler Thrasher!
 Tyler Thrasher has joined VDEM as the Senior Brand and Multimedia Strategist after a 5-year career in local news as a Reporter and Digital Executive Producer with ABC 8News WRIC.
He is a tenured videographer, photographer, graphic designer, and creative engineer with passions for making music and playing soccer.
Tyler is learning what emergency management is all about and is looking forward to taking the VDEM brand image to all-new heights.
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