Emergency management and EMS outline hurricane-season preparations; county adds ambulances and shelter assets

Westmoreland County emergency management and EMS staff briefed the Board of Supervisors on hurricane-season preparedness, shelter capacity and recent investments in emergency medical equipment.

Chief Byrd, representing emergency services, said education and preparedness are central ahead of the Atlantic hurricane season that began June 1. Staff urged residents to sign up for the county alert system (RAVE/CodeRed) and to know their evacuation zone; county staff said about 3,500–4,000 residents are signed up so far and that the county plans outreach to increase enrollment. Chief Byrd described the county’s flood and surge vulnerabilities, noting the county’s geography between the Rappahannock and Potomac rivers increases risk of tidal flooding and storm surge.

The county said it has two designated shelters: Westmoreland High School (new high school location) and Washington District Elementary School. Combined sheltering capacity was presented as about 600 persons; officials said, if shelters reach capacity, they will coordinate with the state to identify alternatives.

EMS updates: staff reported two new ambulances are now in service (one based in Colonial Beach and one in the Oak Grove area). The department also placed new Lifepak 35 cardiac monitors into service to improve field diagnostics. County EMS reported it received the American Heart Association Mission Lifeline gold status for cardiac and stroke care — the county said this marks six consecutive years at that recognition level.

The county described an emergency operations asset purchased with an Emergency Management Planning Grant: a disaster kit quartered in Mount Holly that contains cots, basic hygiene supplies and other shelter equipment. Officials said the county is seeking a second, separate asset to position equipment east, central and west for faster sheltering response.

Chief Byrd summarized: "Education is the most important piece with any type of weather event," and urged residents to prepare a kit with at least three days of food and water, account for pets and medication needs, and identify meeting points for family members. The county plans outreach events and printed materials tied to transfer-station mailings and other distributions to boost enrollment in the alert system and public awareness.

What the board asked for: supervisors requested printed flyers to include alert-signup instructions alongside the county’s transfer-station mailing and suggested more visible, consistent outreach so residents who do not use social media or local papers receive emergency-notification information.