Emergency & Disaster Preparedness

IN AN EMERGENCY WHAT WILL YOU DO UNTIL HELP CAN ARRIVE?

The Police Department advises all residents to learn more about the different threats that could affect your community as well as the appropriate responses to them.

If you live in the Town, register with News Flash Alerts, to get the latest information on various Town of Purcellville news and emergency information. If you live in the County, register for Emergency Alerts, the emergency notification system the County uses to send emergency information to residents during a disaster.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is also a resource with information pertaining to emergency preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery efforts. VDEM works with local government, state and federal agencies, private companies and voluntary organizations to protect the lives and property of Virginia's citizens from emergencies and disasters.

HOW TO REPORT EMERGENCIES?

Those experiencing an emergency should call 911 immediately. You will be asked for your location; the nature of the emergency; information about the suspect, victims, potential injuries or any other suspicious activity; and your name and contact information. It is important that you remain on the line until the dispatcher ends the call.

If you are unsure of whether you are in an emergency or you just want to report suspicious behavior, you should still call the police. Dispatchers will get you to the right person if you call 911. If you are certain that the situation does not pose an immediate risk to life or safety but you are still uncomfortable, you can contact the Purcellville Police Department directly by dialing 540-338-7422.

Purcellville Police Officers are dispatched through the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center.

HOW TO RESPOND TO AN EMERGENCY?

When we’re faced with any kind of emergency – like fire, severe weather or if someone is trying to hurt you – we have three options: run, hide or fight. Depending on the type of emergency the following steps can be taken:

1. Remain CALM, take deep breaths.

2. CHECK the scene and assess the situation, remember safety first. Make sure you are in a safe location away from danger.

3. CALL for help, call 911 to activate emergency services.

4. CARE for others if possible. Remember the ABCs of Life Support; airway is open, breathing is regular, and circulation is maintained.

HAVE A PLAN

https://www.ready.gov/plan

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/make-a-plan.html

MAKE A KIT

https://www.ready.gov/kit

https://www.cdc.gov/childrenindisasters/checklists/kids-and-families.html

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html

OTHER RESOURCES: