On Friday Oct.21 Governor of Virginia ,Terry McAuliffe, requested a federal disaster declaration for Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Isle of Wight County and York County. The Governor also asked for federal disaster assistance -- a step that was only possible after the Commonwealth completed a comprehensive damage assessment. In the coming weeks, we expect the Governor to make additional requests for federal assistance as Virginia continues to recover from an estimated $13 million in damage.

Families impacted by #HurricaneMatthew are still working to rebuild and recover. Cash donations are the best way to help, cash offers voluntary agencies the most flexibility in obtaining the most-needed resources. You can make a difference, Virginia can #RecoverTogether

Another great way to help your fellow Virginians with their #HurricaneMatthew damage. More ways to help at: www.vaemergency.gov/get-involved

This is how we #RecoverTogether

Please don't keep flood damaged items just to showcase your damage. Take lots of photos and videos, report your damage to your insurance & local government, then dispose of all flood damaged items! If you need help with #HurricaneMatthew cleanup or debris removal please call 2-1-1.

Virginia has requested federal disaster assistance, if this request is approved they won't need you to keep your damaged belongings as part of their assistance process.

Virginia has requested federal disaster recovery assistance following #HurricaneMatthew and is currently awaiting to hear back. In the meantime, there are resources available in your community that can help you now! Call 2-1-1 to get connected with your local government, non-profit groups, and other recovery partners who may be able to help with various basic needs.

If you had floodwater in your home after Hurricane Matthew; your drywall, flooring, and insulation were likely compromised and a severe mold problem is likely. The only remedy is to remove any items that were soaked by the flood water and were not adequately cleaned and dried. When in doubt, throw it out!

Call 2-1-1 or contact your local government if you need help with storm cleanup!

VDEM's Region 1 office in Chesterfield is officially open. In order to improve our ability to respond to emergencies and support communities, our agency has been reorganizing to decentralize our staff and base them in the communities they serve. Doing so allows us to be more responsive and better integrated with our local partners without increasing spending.

If you haven't already, it is very important to report your storm damage from #HurricaneMatthew to your local government so it can be included in their damage assessments. Even if you already reported to your insurance, or if you have no insurance, you need to have your damage documented. Call 2-1-1 for more information.

VDEM is seeking qualified candidates for our Training Manager vacancy to coordinate resource support (instructors, facilities and equipment) for a diverse emergency management training program with responsibility for determining organizational performance, development needs and services; and planning, developing, and implementing agency wide or statewide training programs and/or initiatives for the Commonwealth.

We’re excited to announce the official grand opening of VDEM's Region Five office in Portsmouth today.

“We want to be fast, quick and integrated with our local partners,” said VDEM Coordinator Dr. Jeff Stern at the opening ceremony. “We want to build more regional capacity without increasing spending, so we redeployed staff that were previously located in Richmond to accomplish that. If you’re going to be fast and integrated, you need to be out in the communities.”

We couldn’t be more proud of Jim Redick, Norfolk’s director of Emergency Preparedness and Response, who was recognized with the IAEM’s Clayton R. Christopher Memorial Award last week for his outstanding contributions to the overall emergency management program. Redick’s leadership in coordinating with Virginia and federal agencies was critical to the Commonwealth’s immediate response to and recovery from #HurricaneMatthew

We understand there are some questions regarding the Federal Disaster Assistance Process. FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency has a process in place that Virginia is required to follow in order to apply and qualify for federal assistance. We are currently on the final step of the process, awaiting a response from FEMA.

Click here to learn more:
https://www.fema.gov/disaster-declaration-process

Many in Virginia still need your help while they travel the road to recovery in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. The best type of donation is a cash donation. You can make a difference and provide relief to those affected by Hurricane Matthew. #RecoverTogether

Hurricane Matthew recovery in #HamptonRoads is an ongoing community process. Many great non-profits are active in the community, along with local officials and first responders, lending a helping hand to neighbors in need.

You can help too. More info at the link below. #RecoverTogether

http://www.vaemergency.gov/get-involved/

Want to assist your fellow Virginians with #HurricaneMatthew cleanup? Team Rubicon USA could use your help!

Any interested volunteers need to come see them at the Calvary Baptist Church (4832 Haygood Road Virginia Beach VA 23455). They only need to show up the day they want to work, and be there by 7:45AM.

Team Rubicon has a quick waiver process and will get you into the field that same day. They are happy to take any and all volunteers! #RecoverTogether

Floodwater is filthy and may contain dangerous contaminants. If you've removed debris and wet items from your home, one of the next steps is to disinfect flooded areas. The CDC has great tips on using bleach to clean your home after a flood. #RecoverTogether

Hazardous mold can build up in your home or business if it was impacted by #HurricaneMatthew floodwaters. This guide from the CDC provides useful tips on how to deal with Mold after a disaster #RecoverTogether