The Emergency Preparedness Program at The Villages is undergoing an exciting period of growth and refinement. Under the leadership of the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, we’ve entered the internal review phase of our comprehensive emergency response plan, known as the Villages Integrated Emergency Response & Operations Plan (VIEROP).
Who We Are
The Emergency Preparedness Program is overseen by the Office of Public Safety, which includes Security, Safety, and Resident Services. This division coordinates emergency operations in partnership with EPC volunteers, local agencies, and residents.
Security focuses on neighborhood patrols and emergency access control.
Safety addresses hazard prevention, emergency planning and drills.
Resident Services supports communication and resident welfare before, during and after an emergency.
Where We Are with the Plan
We are currently in the internal review phase of the VIEROP, defining clear roles and responsibilities for staff and volunteers. This includes updates to volunteer reporting lines, job descriptions, and activation procedures to ensure all teams are coordinated under the Incident Command System (ICS).
Upcoming Training and Meetings
Sector Chief and Leadership Meeting – Thursday, May 22, 10-11 a.m.
This meeting will bring together EPC leadership and Sector Chiefs to clarify roles, finalize roster updates, and walk through sector-level responsibilities in a disaster.
General Preparedness Training – Friday, May 30, 10-11 a.m. at Foothill Center
Open to all volunteers and interested residents, this refresher will cover general preparedness, emergency kits and EPC overview.
Looking Ahead: Emergency Preparedness Fair
We’re excited to announce that our annual Emergency Preparedness Fair will be held on Saturday, August 30, from 1-4 p.m. at Cribari Center. This event will bring together residents, local agencies, and emergency preparedness partners to provide hands-on demos, resources, and information on how to stay ready for all types of disasters.
The fair will include:
- Live emergency preparedness demos
- Vendor booths and safety giveaways
- CERT and Red Cross resources
- Information on emergency kits, radios, and evacuation planning
All residents are encouraged to attend. This is a great opportunity to get informed, get equipped and get connected!
EPC Monthly Meetings – Resuming June
Monthly EPC meetings will resume starting in June — details to follow once finalized.
These meetings will be open to all EPC volunteers and any residents interested in emergency preparedness. They will include important updates, coordination opportunities, and guest speakers when available.
Stay tuned for more information as scheduling and location are confirmed.
