When does the VEST step into action? The VEST can be activated when:
A Declaration of Emergency is made by the Governor
Local and regional capabilities are unable to address the impact of an event, or
The State Coordinator or VEST Bureau Chief orders activation to support a high-profile emergency or non-emergency event, or an event that demonstrates the need for a state-level request for assistance.
2020 was a historical year for activations for the VEST. Several of the events listed below were concurrent and, for the first time in Commonwealth history, the VEST supported three events at the same time (COVID-19, First Amendment Events, and Hurricane Isaias). 2021 has also proven to be a record setting year with multiple concurrent events to include supporting 5 simultaneous events at one time (COVID-19, Afghanistan Emergency Repatriation, Far Southwest Severe Flooding, Hurricane Ida, and Lee Monument Removal). A full VEST activation can draw more than 200 response professionals to the Virginia Emergency Operations Center from state agencies, FEMA, the US military, the Army Corps of Engineers, and multiple private-sector partners. The COVID-19 environment is actively changing operations requiring more flexibility and virtual operations. The following is a list of VEST supported and or activations over the last 6 years:
2016:
Winter Storm Jonas
February Tornados
Alleghany/Covington Flood
Tropical Storm Hermine
Hurricane Matthew
2017:
January Winter Storm
Unite the Right Rally
2018:
January Winter Storm
April Tornados
Hurricane Florence
Hurricane Michael
2019:
Hurricane Dorian
2020
Lobby Day
Feb Severe Weather (R4)
COVID-19 (still ongoing)
May Severe Weather
First Amendment Events
Hurricane Isaias
Hurricane Laura
Election Day
December Winter Weather
2021:
US Capitol Invasion/DC Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC)
An Agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia
