How local officials prepare the Shenandoah Valley for extreme weather (and how you can too!)
The Shenandoah Valley is sheltered from most severe storms by its natural shield -- the Blue Ridge mountains. Because of this, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management does not consider the Valley at a major risk of a hurricane; however, heavy winds, flooding, downpours and winter storms are common in the area. Regardless of whether a region is susceptible to certain storms or natural disasters, having a plan in place is vital for the safety of the residents. Meteorologist Cody Ledbetter from the National Weather Service, the federal agency tasked with providing weather forecast and climate data to the public, encourages people to stay prepared.
“Putting together an emergency kit as well as having a plan for different types of storms that may hit your area are good ways to be prepared," said Ledbetter.
Within the Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg City, Rockingham County, and James Madison University work together to respond to events of severe weather with a joint emergency operations plan. Depending on the severity of the weather, they can choose to open an emergency operation center, which brings leadership from the response agencies together in one place. The joint emergency operations plan brings together the city manager, finance director, fire department, police department and public works, and its goal is to have everyone on the same page during the emergency.
Administrative officer Paul Helmuth of the Harrisonburg Fire Department becomes the deputy emergency coordinator when disaster strikes. In charge of meeting with response agencies and planning for potential crises, he works with the agencies to determine if the city needs to provide shelter or call in outside agencies (e.g., American Red Cross) for further help.
Administrative Officer Paul Helmuth stands in the Harrisonburg Fire Department Museum.
“Are there disasters that we would have to struggle a little bit more? Sure. But that’s true with any disaster. You can’t plan 100% of everything that you encounter," Helmuth said.
He recognizes the reality of how unpredictable storms can be; however, he’s confident in the Harrisonburg City’s ability to stay prepared. For example, every five years Harrisonburg City’s hazard mitigation plan is revised. During this time, potential natural disasters are rated based on their probability of occurring, and their respective emergency procedures are updated.
The Harrisonburg Electric Commission (HEC) is also no stranger to planning for severe weather.
“We trim trees about 52 weeks a year to help minimize tree-related contact and outages,” said Brian Odell, General Manager.
However, despite tree-trimming efforts, storms still take their toll on power lines and sources. Shortly after a storm ends, HEC begins assessing damage and outages, which allows them to begin mobilization and repair as soon as possible. HEC serves 21,000 customers, and when the power is down, their primary concern is to get it back up and running, which normally takes a few hours depending on the scale of the storm.
Learning to treat emergencies with composure starts young at the Explore More Discovery Museum in downtown Harrisonburg. The museum combines learning and fun in interactive exhibits -- including a full-size ambulance. Program manager Melanie Veith describes the importance of teaching kids to be comfortable with the equipment and the situations that may accompany it.
“Right after we opened here in the new space, we had a little guy who had been playing...and then had a seizure, fell, and hit his head. We had to call 911, literally moments after he’d been in [the ambulance], and we were able to say, ‘it’s going to be just like you were playing on the ambulance,'" Veith said.
The museum also partners with the Harrisonburg Fire Department to teach kids about safety and emergency situations. The museum strives to blend learning and recreation through their exhibits and events.
“Play is just the best way for kids to learn any of those things and feel comfortable,” Veith said.
Two boys play in the ambulance exhibit at the Explore More Discovery Museum.
Although storms can be unpredictable, both the Harrisonburg Fire Department and National Weather Service agree on steps that can be taken from home. Having an emergency kit as well as an understanding of how your area is at risk (e.g., the location of your house in relation to common flooding areas) is fundamental to being prepared. Paying attention to weather service alerts as well as your local officials will keep you a step ahead of any storms that may endanger you.
Credits:
Anna Phillips, Oziel Valdez