For Release: Oct. 20, 2008
Contact: David Clementson
Email: dclementson@oag.state.va.us
Phone: 804-786-2071
Attorney General Hosts Third Legal Emergency Preparedness Drill
Richmond – Today Attorney General Bob McDonnell hosted the third annual legal emergency preparedness drill for Virginia agencies and their counsel from the Attorney General’s Office. Also sponsoring this exercise were The Office of Commonwealth Preparedness and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.
The drill focused on defining and addressing legal issues that Virginia agencies may face during an emergency. Scenarios that were practiced included a natural disaster while the Governor is outside of the Commonwealth, Election Day difficulties and terrorist threats.
“Our commitment to our state agencies, and ultimately to the citizens of Virginia, is to ensure that Virginia’s government is prepared for emergencies,” Attorney General Bob McDonnell said. “The Commonwealth must be able to continue its mission of serving the citizens during a disaster. In light of the upcoming historic election, this year’s exercise also included the timely topic of addressing election law issues.”
Today’s participants included the Governor’s Office, the Lieutenant Governor’s Office, Virginia Department of Health, Virginia State Police, Capitol Police, Department of Social Services, Department of Transportation, Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Military Affairs, Virginia Community College System, the Virginia Supreme Court and the Senate of Virginia, as well the Virginia Association of Counties. The drill was facilitated by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.
