By State › Virginia

Virginia: Local Resources

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VDEM: no single branded consumer campaign, but real operational tools

Unlike most other states covered on this site, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management doesn’t run one single named public-facing campaign like “Ready Ohio” or “ReadyNJ.” Instead, VDEM operates 24/7 and provides direct tools, most notably the Virginia Flood Monitoring System, alongside its Partners in Preparedness program, which works with local governments and community organizations on outreach.

Where the branded campaigns actually live

Local jurisdictions fill the branding gap: Virginia Beach runs its own “ReadyVB” public education campaign, for instance. If you’re looking for consumer-facing preparedness content, check both VDEM’s statewide “Prepare” portal and your specific city or county’s own emergency management page.

Where to find it: vaemergency.gov/prepare.

Virginia Cooperative Extension: Virginia’s version of the other states’ land-grant Extension programs

Virginia Tech’s Cooperative Extension runs the same category of program as every other state covered on this site, with one of the larger volunteer bases seen so far.

  • Virginia Master Gardener Program: more than 5,000 active volunteers statewide; typically 50 hours of initial training and 50 hours of volunteer service to certify (some counties, like Prince William, require 70+ training hours), then 20 volunteer hours and 8 continuing-education hours annually to maintain it.

Where to find it: ext.vt.edu/lawn-garden/master-gardener.html lists the program by county.

CERT: county-run across the state

Virginia’s CERT programs are organized at the county level, similar to Texas’s and Florida’s decentralized model, with active chapters in Arlington, Fairfax, Chesterfield, and many other counties.

What's typical

Chesterfield County’s program is representative: a free 24-hour course open to residents 18 and older, covering the standard FEMA curriculum, with a certificate and volunteer opportunities on completion.

Where to find it: search “[your county] CERT” or check VDEM’s Communities page (vdem.virginia.gov/prepare/communities) for a local program.

Sources