What types of Hazards can Occur in Prince George?
Prince George County is susceptible to a variety of threats, both natural and manufactured. Examples of these include but are not limited to:
- Hurricanes
- Severe Thunder Storms
- Chemical
- Hazardous Material Spills
- Ice or Snow Storms
- Acts of Terrorism
- Tornadoes
What are the Differences Between a Natural and a Man-Made Disasters
Natural events may be more predictable depending on seasonal weather patterns. They also often give us time to prepare as most, but not all, escalate from minor events. Examples of natural disasters include wind events such as hurricanes and tropical storms, tornadoes, ice/snow storms, and severe thunderstorms.
Man-made emergencies are less predictable and often occur without warning with a faster speed of onset. Examples of man-made events include chemical or hazardous material spills, hostage situations, or acts of terrorism.
What Should I Do if I Spot a Potential Disaster and Whom should I Contact?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911. You can report non-emergencies to (804) 733-2770
How Can I Prepare My Family For a Disaster
Prepare Your Family
Before a disaster, take steps to ensure that you and your loved ones can reunite, communicate, and meet your basic needs. Below are links to resources that can help you take action to prepare.
Prince George County residents need to prepare now for emergencies and disasters. There are simple, low-cost steps families can take to be ready including making a llan and assembling a kit.
Making Your Plan:
You should know what to do before a disaster strikes. Once a plan is made, make sure to share it with your family. Go over your plan and practice regularly.
Medical Needs
Those who have medical needs or who receive in home care should create a plan with their providers and caregivers included.
Additional planning tools and information on Preparedness Kits can be found on the Virginia Department of Emergency Management website.
Additional Information
Ready VirginiaWeather.gov for additional information
Where Can I Find Updated Information on Storms?
For Updated Information on Hurricanes We have Provided a Link to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for you. This Link can Provided updated Information on Storm Forecast, Maps, Imagery and More.
Up To Date Hurricane Information
What Do I Do When There's a Weather Alert/Watch/Warning for Prince George County?
First, understand the terms. The National Weather Service issues alert when dangerous weather conditions can potentially affect an area or are in immediate danger of impacting an area.
A watch is used when there is a risk of hazardous weather (thunderstorm, tornado, or flooding). When a watch is issued, keep an eye on the weather. Be ready to enact your plan if it becomes necessary to do so.
A warning is issued when hazardous weather (thunderstorm, tornado, or flooding) is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring. A warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life or property. When a thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued, take cover on the lowest level of your home, in an interior room. If your home is in danger of flooding, move to higher ground immediately.
When is Hurricane Season?
Hurricane season is June 1st through November 30th in the Atlantic and May 15th through November 30th in the Eastern Pacific.
However, it is possible for tropical storms to occur outside of those date ranges.
Do I Need A Preparedness Kit and What Should I Have in It?
- Emergency Kits should contain supplies that will last every individual at least three days. Considerations need to be made for those who are elderly or have special needs as well as for infants and toddlers.
- Pets also need to have at least three days of supplies. Be mindful that during a disaster, your animal may not be able to go outside to use the bathroom. Training pads are helpful to have in your kit for those situations.
- There should be enough supplies in your disaster kit to make each member of your family self-sufficient for at least three days. This should include:
- Battery-powered radio or television
- First-aid kit
- Flashlights
- Food
- Medicines
- Water
- Batteries
Assembling a Kit
Detailed information on assembling a kit can be found on the Virginia Department Of Emergency Management website.
In The Event of a Disaster and I Have to Evacuate My Home, Where Do I Go?
You should go to the Central Wellness Center (11023 Prince George Dr., Disputanta, VA 23842). Other criteria for opening a school for a shelter would include proximity to the event. Be sure to take items such as medications, blankets, clothes, and identification to the shelter. Pets are not allowed inside the shelter.
Sign up for CodeRED®, a system that is used to send critical communications, from evacuation notices to missing child alerts.
Sign up for Prince George E-Notify for information about shelters before, during, and after an emergency event.
What Is An Emergency Operations Center (EOC)?
The Emergency Operations Center is where the Emergency Management Coordinator and other key individuals meet during a disaster. With a central location, all individuals involved in making decisions reference the response and recovery from a particular incident coordinate their efforts.
How Can I Help My Community During a Disaster?
In the event that an emergency happens in Prince George County, all of Prince George Public Safety, such as Fire and Police will respond as well as volunteer organizations will likely be deployed to assist citizens and help with the recovery process. To get involved and volunteer:
- Prince George County’s Community Emergency Response Team , or CERT, program is based on the American tradition of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors Prepare for Emergencies.”
- CERT training prepares citizens and communities to take more active roles in the county’s emergency-preparedness efforts.
- Contact your local

- Contact the Medical Reserve Corps, or other volunteer organization.
Who do I contact if a have a Family Member That is Elderly and is on Oxygen and they Loses Power For an Extended Period of Time?
The first choice would be to have a family member or caregiver take your relative someplace that will support his or her needs. After a disaster, libraries or other county facilities may be opened to allow for recharging the batteries in medical equipment. If someone is experiencing a medical problem due to the loss of power, he or she should call 911.
Where Can I Find Updated County Specific Information During a Disaster?
Libraries will be utilized as information stations during a disaster. Additional county-specific disaster information will be posted to the County Website as well as the Facebook Page.