Disaster Preparedness Information
Recent events around the country have proven that our homeland is not immune to devastating consequences that can affect everyone in the community. While James City County is not exempt from such disasters in these uncertain times, we have determined our risk factor is less than those of our neighbors in the immediate vicinity of Washington, D.C., and other major urban centers or even the military facilities in Hampton Roads. Even so, the County has taken several proactive steps to prepare for a disaster.
The County has comprehensive emergency disaster response plans. The emergency plan considers emergency response, notification and evacuation of citizens, and shelter and care of victims unable to inhabit their homes. County staff have received extensive training, drilled regularly on our emergency response plans, made improvements to our and enhanced our communication with citizens before and during an emergency. County staff members evaluate those plans regularly to take into account changes in our communities such as new neighborhoods,transportation networks, and threats to our safety and security. These plans have been field-tested and revised following our experiences with ice storms, flooding, and Hurricane Isabel. James City County coordinates emergency plans with local communities, and regional, State and Federal agencies.
The County has greatly increased community training opportunities to educate citizens on their role and responsibilities during an emergency. These training events are available periodically in many locations around the County. In addition, if your group or neighborhood desires assistance to meet a particular need or concern, we are available to help if possible.
Tal Luton, James City County Fire Chief
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