This report summarizes the actions taken during 2018 to improve disaster preparedness through the maintenance of state and local plans. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) is responsible for developing and coordinating state level plans, providing technical support to localities, state agencies and public institutions of higher education regarding disaster preparedness, and coordinating state resources requested by localities, other states, and U.S. territories.

In the past year, VDEM’s seven regional offices provided coordination and support to localities before, during, and after disaster operations. During non-disaster operations, regional staff participated in planning meetings and exercises, and provided technical support to both localities and institutions of higher education.