Regional Partners Plan for DC Walkout

On August 27, 2024, approximately 100 partner agency representatives convened for the Regional Emergency Management DC Walkout Seminar. This event provided a forum for agencies to share their plans and procedures related to pedestrian evacuations from the District of Columbia into Northern Virginia during large emergencies. Speakers at the seminar included representatives from the Virginia State Police (VSP), Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), and local emergency management staff from Arlington County, City of Alexandria, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and Prince William County. Planning for walkout evacuations helps prepare the region in advance of major events such as the presidential inauguration, major protests, and other planned events. "We were proud to facilitate the regional sharing of best practices for walkout evacuations, and help highlight the ongoing planning efforts of our partners in law enforcement, emergency management, and transportation", said Andrew Slater, NVERS Deputy Executive Director. NVERS will host a follow-on Tabletop Exercise in September, which will build on the discussions held during the seminar.