The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) serves the entire City of Alexandria and works with various city, regional, state, and federal agencies to be fully successful in carrying out its mission.

This September marks 25 years since the September 11th attacks. We remember the heroism of that day and the lesson it taught us: we all need to be prepared. 

That's why September is National Preparedness Month. This year's theme, Americans Stand Ready, reminds us that when we each prepare, our whole community grows stronger. Here in Alexandria, we face real threats, like severe weather, flooding, and winter storms.  

Here's what you can do to stay ready: 

1. Know your risks based on where you live, work, and go to school.  
2. Make and practice an emergency plan.  
3. Build an emergency supply kit for the whole family; don't forget your pets.  
4. Sign up for emergency alerts.  
5. And get involved by volunteering in your community. 

That’s five simple steps to a safer Alexandria. Let's stand ready together. 

For information on these steps and loads of other information on preparing for emergencies, please check out our website. Contact us at EOC.Staff@alexandriava.gov if you have questions or would like to host or invite us to a community event.

Please join the Office of Emergency Management and many other partners at Tons of Trucks on Saturday, September 26th from 10 AM – 2 PM at Chinquapin Park. The event will be a fun, family-friendly way to learn about emergency preparedness and see lots of cool trucks and other emergency vehicles up-close.

To save lives, protect property, and accelerate recovery from major emergencies by developing city-wide programs and emergency operational capabilities mitigating, responding to, and recovering from any emergency regardless of cause—whether in peacetime or a situation of national security. This is accomplished with the full support of the elected and appointed officials of the City. Our mission requires a varying range of skillsets from citizens, government, and the private and non-profit sectors.

The Alexandria Emergency Operations Center (EOC) provides a space where representatives from multiple City departments and partner agencies can work together to provide resources during various types of emergency incidents, such as snowstorms, power outages, major fire incidents, and planned events.

The EOC is an 8,750 square foot, state-of-the-art facility with 47 workstations, seven individual offices for OEM staff, state-of-the-art technology, and a conference room, with additional conference space and technological capabilities in the Sheriff’s Office. The EOC is designed not only for use during emergency situations, but also for training purposes. In order to prepare for expanding incidents that affect Alexandria and the region, the City is making the EOC available for use by local and regional emergency managers, first responders, and other preparedness partners in the community.

Emergency Preparedness Contact Number: 703.746.5200 (press "2," then "4")
In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

The City of Alexandria Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is a multi-discipline, all-hazards plan that establishes a single, comprehensive framework for the management of major emergencies and disasters within the city. The EOP is implemented when it becomes necessary to mobilize resources in order to save lives and protect property and infrastructure. The EOP establishes the overall roles and responsibilities for emergency operations, as well as the concept of operations for the city. It is used in conjunction with established operational procedures, plans, and protocols. The development and maintenance of this plan and supporting plans is the basis of the local emergency management program.

On June 13, 2023, the Alexandria City Council adopted the 2022 Northern Virginia Hazard Mitigation Plan (NOVA HMP) and City of Alexandria Annex. The NOVA HMP combines regional hazard identification and disaster resilience efforts through planning processes and related activities. The plan aims to reduce long-term vulnerability for the area. The City of Alexandria Annex highlights City-specific hazard, risk, and vulnerability information and serves as a foundation for developing effective and feasible mitigation actions.