karla ramos hispanic liaison/public affairs assistant
TRANSCRIPT
Karla RamosHispanic Liaison/Public Affairs Assistant
www.ReadyVirginia.gov www.ListoVirginia.gov www.vaemergency.com
VDEM Mission
Working to protect People, Property and our Communities
Reporting directly to the Secretary of Public Safety and the Governor Preparation Response Recovery Mitigation
What is Ready Virginia?
Ready Virginia and its Spanish counterpart, Listo Virginia, are statewide public education efforts to prepare Virginians for all hazards.
They are based on the federal Ready and Listo campaigns.
Clear National Messages
Emergency preparedness is everyone’s responsibility.
Everyone should have a personal response plan for a disaster.
Everyone should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least the first 72 hours.
Core Messages
Ready Virginia has three core messages:
These reinforce messages from the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.
Get a kit Make a plan Stay informed
Why Do We Need this?
Recent research shows us that Virginians:understand what the messages meanknow they should get ready for emergenciesknow that being prepared can reduce harm
caused by natural and human-caused events
However, as many as half have not taken any of the steps to get ready.
Perception vs. Reality
71% do not have these four essential supplies: 3-day supply of non-perishable food 3-day supply of water (gallon/person/day) Working battery operated radio Household communications plan
Get a Kit
Minimum: Three days’ food and water Water – 1 gallon per
person per day Battery-powered radio
Then add: Flashlights, extra batteries First aid kit/medications Personal items Pet supplies Important papers Cash
Make a Plan
Write it down. Do you have a family
meeting place in case you cannot return home?
Do you have an out-of-town family contact?
Stay Informed
What types of threats could affect you?
Listen to the most local news from emergency officials.
Get a radio with a NOAA Weather Band and alert messages.
Strategic Outreach Plan
2008, 2009 research revealed: Major misperception – 54% feel prepared, but 71%
of those do not have 4 critical supplies. Who needs Ready Virginia? Least prepared are the oldest (65+) and the youngest
(34-) Families with children 56% of Hispanic residents don’t feel prepared.
Research Findings
The top 13 cities/counties with the highest percentage of Hispanic population in Virginia
Region City/County Total PopulationPercentage of Hispanic
Hispanic Population
7 Manassas Park city 11,319 29.74% 3,500
7 Manassas city 35,205 28.57% 11,000
7 Prince William County 364,734 19.12% 70,000
4 Galax city 6,808 16.04% 1,100
7 Arlington County 209,969 15.99% 35,000
7 Fairfax County 1,015,302 14.10% 150,000
3 Harrisonburg city 44,015 13.84% 7,000
7 Alexandria city 143,885 13.46% 20,000
7 Fairfax city 23,844 13.41% 3,500
2 Winchester city 25,897 11.81% 3,100
7 Loudoun County 289,995 10.43% 31,000
5 Accomack County 38,180 9.25% 3,530
7 Stafford County 121,736 8.69% 11,000
Hispanic population:• Fastest growing county in U.S. – Frederick County• 6% of VA population; 7% of all K-12 children• 15% in Region 7; 1 million in Fairfax County• Galax: 16%; Harrisonburg: 14%
2009-2010 Outreach:
Media campaign: Newspaper ads and media Web site ads for Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday Radio ads for hurricane preparedness, flood season and making your kit Radio ads during World Cup soccer games Sponsorship of “Enfoque a la Comunidad” live community affairs radio program Translation of agency news releases into Spanish
New Printed Materials
Brochure Emergency kit flyer Hurricane Guide Family plan Flyer for migrant workers Magnet Tabletop display
Community Events
La Feria de la Oportunidad Children’s Museum of Richmond Survivorship Day for Richmond Office of
Emergency Management Sponsors of “Enlace a la Comunidad” Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Presentations to organizations and groups
Disasters and Emergencies
Supported VDH media outreach during H1N1 outbreak
Provide media interviews in Spanish from VEOC during emergencies
Special Assistance
Working with local emergency managersExample: Accomack
County and migrant workers
Identifying communities with high percentage of Hispanic population
www.ListoVirginia.gov
You can help
Emergency preparedness starts at home. There is a role for families, communities,
businesses and government.
Karla RamosHispanic Liaison/Public Affairs Assistant
www.ReadyVirginia.gov www.ListoVirginia.gov www.vaemergency.com