VDEM reminds residents of severe weather safety before Severe Weather Awareness Week

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) is reminding residents to remember severe weather safety ahead of Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Severe Weather Awareness Week spans from March 9 through March 13. Before the week, VDEM, in coordination with the National Weather Service, is encouraging residents to focus on severe weather safety.

In a social media post, VDEM encouraged emergency managers, public safety officials, media outlets, and Weather-Ready Nation partners to collaborate in strengthening public awareness and improving preparedness across the Commonwealth.

VDEM said severe weather can include tornadoes, damaging winds, flash flooding and large hail.

Preparedness reduces risk and strengthens resilience statewide.

For preparedness tips, you can visit VDEM's website.