The Emergency Preparedness program in the Henrico Health District works with local, regional, and state partners to plan and prepare for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies. Emergency preparedness in the district is coordinated primarily by the District Emergency Coordinator, District Epidemiologist, and Greater Richmond MRC Coordinator, but all public health personnel play a vital role in public health emergency preparedness and response. Examples of public health emergencies and missions include managing and responding to disease outbreaks, providing emergency shelter medical support, and providing coordination of our Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) unit.
Please take a few minutes to browse this section of the website to learn more about our programs and to take advantage of some personal and professional preparedness resources.
Hurricane Season
The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and lasts through November 30. Henrico Health District is working with local, state, federal, nonprofit, and private sector partners to prepare for hurricanes and other severe weather.
Visit Virginia Department of Emergency Management to learn more about hurricanes in Virginia and what you and your family can do to prepare.
Volunteer with Greater Richmond Medical Reserve Corps!
Would you like to support public health emergency preparedness and response? Visit the Greater Richmond Medical Reserve Corps webpage to learn more about how you can be a part of our team.
Personal Preparedness
Personal preparedness is vital to helping reduce the impact to families and individuals during natural or man-made disasters. Please review the guidance below and visit the links to strengthen your personal and family preparedness kits and plans and review ways to stay informed before and during disasters.
Making a Kit
Emergency kits should provide each family member with enough food and water for 48-72 hours.
- Foods should be “shelf stable” and not require refrigeration.
- If someone has food allergies make sure to avoid cross contact in the kit
- The rule of thumb for water is 1 gallon of water, per person, per day. Special consideration should be given to water for hygiene and for making bottles for infants.
- 1 Gallon (fluid) = 128 ounces (fluid)
- 128 ounces = 16 – 8oz. Bottles
- 4 bottles/day = 4 days of water for bottles only
- Organize a two week supply of pills in pill organizer
- Contact medical supply companies and have at least 72 hours worth of supplies, e.g. O2, bandages, etc.
- Charge all primary and back-up batteries for medical devices
Having a Plan
Proper planning is critical in personal preparedness so everyone is familiar with where the kit is and how to stay informed before and during a disaster.
- Disaster and emergency plan lists and templates: ; Henrico County Office of Emergency Management; VDEM; Ready.gov
- Know your physical limits, e.g. shoveling snow, removing debris, etc.
- Make a list of contacts you can call (in and out of town)
- Make sure everyone knows how and when to call 911
Staying Informed
Information and communication are very important before and during disasters. Below are ways to stay informed.
- Henrico Alerting System
- Weather information from Wakefield, VA
Getting Involved
Volunteering is a very rewarding experience and many programs offer free disaster preparedness and response training.
- Greater Richmond Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
- Henrico County Community Emergency Response Team (HCCERT)
- American Red Cross (Eastern Region)
Prepare for Disasters Brochures
Prepare for Disasters: Special Information For Pregnan People and Families with Infants