Emergency Management

The Community Warning System will be activated upon the identification of an emergency. Upon activation of the system, the following procedure is recommended: When a potential danger is identified the E-911 Center will activate the warning system. The siren will sound a high and low tone for three minutes. People are encouraged to seek shelter and tune to a local media outlet for instructions. The all clear alert, a constant tone, will sound for three minutes once the danger has passed.

All communities are subject to natural and manmade disasters and should take steps to identify and plan for those incidents that are most likely to occur. In the past, the main threats to the City of Bedford have been weather related. It is recommended that citizens prepare family and/or business disaster plans based on the identified threats. In addition, they should keep enough supplies to last at least three days. When preparing, citizens need to realize that government services are often interrupted during major disasters. As a result, they should be prepared to survive without these services for a minimum of three days.

While actual occurences are rare, the main hazards identified as possible threats to the City are:

• Winter storms, especially ice storms/freezing rain - Major problems include power outages and hazardous streets due to ice buildup.
• Straight line winds and tornados - Hazards include down trees and electric lines, structural damage to buildings, blowing objects and debris blocking the streets.
• Transportation crashes/accidents - Like most communities, Bedford has several major highways and a rail service passing through resulting in the possibility of an accident resulting in hazardous material release/spill.
• Thunderstorms - Lightning and flooding of low areas are possible during these events.

For those concerned about our local or state response to an influenza pandemic or so-called "bird flu", please click HERE to see a 15-minute video from the Virginia Department of Health on this subject.

Information relating to family disaster planning can be obtained from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Brochures that will help families to develop disaster plans are available from the Bedford Police Department. It is recommended that families prepare disaster kits which include the following supplies:

• A three-day supply of water and food that will not spoil.
• One change of clothing,footwear, blanket or sleeping bag per person.
• A first aid kit that includes the family's medications.
• Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.
• Extra pair of glasses for each family member, if needed.
• Sanitation supplies.
• Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
• Emergency contact numbers.

Click HERE to see a short film about family preparedness from FEMA. (Windows Media Player format)