Welcome to the
Office of Commonwealth Preparedness
The Office of Commonwealth Preparedness was created in the Office of the Governor to work with and through others – including federal, state, and local officials, as well as the private sector – to develop a seamless, coordinated security and preparedness strategy and implementation plan. The office also serves as the liaison between the Governor and the federal Department of Homeland Security.
The Office of Commonwealth Preparedness is a key partner with the military community in Virginia and assists communities with the impacts of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission. We do this through the Virginia Military Advisory Council.
Assistant Suit visits with Army Helo Pilots prior to the 911th Engineering Company Technical Rescue Demonstration.
News
Assistant Terrie Suit Announces two new sections on the website:
VDEM News Release: Hampton Roads Residents Should Be Prepared for Hurricane Earl
-- Storm will pass Virginia by Friday afternoon, Sept. 1, 2010
2010 Governor’s Campus Preparedness Conference
Review materials from the 2010 Governor’s Campus Preparedness Conference held in early August in the Resources Section.
Hurricane Evacuation Guide for Virginia
Download the Virginia Hurricane Evacuation Guide (PDF, 4 mb).
Governor McDonnell Announces More Than $30 Million Awarded to Virginia in Homeland Security Grants
Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the Commonwealth of Virginia will receive $31.8 million in federal homeland security funds from the Homeland Security Grant Program, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, and the Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program for fiscal year 2010. This grant money will go directly towards training of first responders, purchasing of essential equipment and improving overall communications. Read full press release.
 |
 |
| Military Reception at Governor's Mansion - July 14, 2010 See photos for Military Base Commanders in Virginia. (photos: Tom Saunders) |
Assistant Suit with State Coordinator of Emergency Management, Michael Cline and Matt Bassett from Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transit, at the National Capital Region/Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Tabletop Exercise |
 |
 |
| Deputy Assistant to the Governor for Commonwealth Preparedness, Mike McAllister, with Chief Deputy State Coordinator for Emergency Management, Jack King, at the Hampton Roads Chief Administrative Officer Tabletop Exercise |
Assistant Suit with State Coordinator of Emergency Management, Michael Cline, at the Hampton Roads Chief Administrative Officer Tabletop Exercise |
 |
| Fort A.P. Hill Commander Lt. Col. Jack Haefner and Hank
Hanrahan, Director of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security,
discuss the installation's joint support toward the National Scout
Jamboree with Terrie L. Suit during her visit to the installation May 26. |
Suit Visits Fort A.P. Hill; Discusses Readiness
Terrie L. Suit, Assistant to the Governor for Commonwealth Preparedness, visited Fort A.P. Hill May 26 where she learned more about the installation’s mission as a Regional Training Center.
Suit was accompanied by Mike Coleman, BRAC coordinator, and Brandon de Graaf, Assistant Homeland Security Advisor, during the visit with Fort A.P. Hill Commander Lt. Col. Jack Haefner and several members of his staff.
Haefner provided an overview of the installation’s history, training operations and the installation’s partnerships and interactions with the neighboring communities. Haefner then led Suit on a windshield tour of the installation. The tour included discussion about the installation’s Army Compatible Use Buffer program, training support provided to Warriors and Fort A.P. Hill’s joint support toward the National Scout Jamboree.
After the tour, Suit said she was impressed with the installation’s conservation program, the size of Fort A.P. Hill and the diversity of its training. She said she looks forward to a productive sustained relationship with Fort A.P. Hill.
Suit serves as Virginia’s Homeland Security Advisor and is the direct liaison between the Governor and the federal Department of Homeland Security. She also serves as co-chair for the Virginia Military Advisory Council. She stated she has been charged by the Governor to promote positive military relations. She is married to a retired U.S. Navy Seal.
Before departing the installation, Suit said, “I really appreciate the training environment that you give these guys. I’ve personally benefitted as a spouse.”
Read more news.
