With memories of catastrophic flooding still fresh in the minds of many Buchanan County residents, over 20 community members gathered on July 23 at the Southern Gap Transportation and Logistics Center to learn how to better protect their families before the next emergency strikes.
The free disaster preparedness workshop, presented by Joseph Moore, disaster preparedness manager for United Way of Southwest Virginia, focused on practical steps residents can take now to prepare for floods, winter storms, extended power outages and other disasters that regularly affect the mountains of Southwest Virginia. While emergency preparedness can seem overwhelming, Moore’s message throughout the evening remained consistent: people don’t have to do everything at once. They simply need to start.
The workshop was hosted through a regional preparedness initiative funded by the Center for Disaster Philanthropy following Hurricane Helene. The grant has enabled United Way of Southwest Virginia to conduct preparedness training sessions throughout the region and provide free family emergency preparedness buckets to participating households.
“Our goal is to do 25 trainings and distribute 250 preparedness buckets,” Moore said, adding that the program has already exceeded its original goal thanks to strong participation throughout Southwest Virginia.
For Moore, disaster preparedness isn’t just part of his job—it’s something he has experienced firsthand.
Before joining United Way, he worked in emergency management, conducting damage assessments after major flooding events throughout Southwest Virginia. Those experiences placed him face-to-face with families who had lost homes, vehicles and personal belongings, reinforcing the importance of preparing before disaster strikes instead of scrambling afterward.
Throughout the presentation, Moore reminded attendees that preparedness isn’t about fear.
Instead, he described it as peace of mind.
“There’s really no perfect way to prepare, but being ready is better than nothing,” he told the audience. “If you feel unprepared, you’re not alone.”
Rather than asking people to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on emergency equipment, Moore encouraged families to build their plans one step at a time.
He compared emergency preparedness to building a snowman. Just as a snowman begins with one snowball, family preparedness begins with one small decision. Whether it’s purchasing bottled water during a grocery trip, making copies of important documents or discussing an evacuation plan with family members, every small action contributes to a safer household.
Moore explained that federal emergency officials generally recommend families prepare enough food and water to survive for at least 72 hours without outside assistance. In Buchanan County, however, he believes residents should plan for even longer.
Mountain roads, washed-out bridges and flash flooding can quickly isolate entire communities, making it difficult for emergency crews to reach affected areas. In those situations, families may need enough supplies to remain self-sufficient for as long as a week.
The discussion focused heavily on hazards familiar to local residents.
Flooding remains one of the region’s greatest threats, but Moore also discussed severe winter storms, prolonged power outages and even the growing wildfire risk during dry conditions. He noted that Virginia has experienced numerous federally declared disasters in recent years, several of which have affected Southwest Virginia, demonstrating that no community is immune from emergencies.
Moore encouraged attendees to think about their own circumstances when creating an emergency plan.
Families with infants may need diapers and formula. Pet owners should include food, leashes and medications for their animals. Residents who rely on oxygen concentrators or other electrically powered medical equipment should develop backup plans for extended outages, including generators or battery backups whenever possible. People living in mobile homes should be prepared to relocate quickly when dangerous weather approaches.
He also shared personal stories from his own household, explaining how he and his wife discussed escape routes after purchasing their first two-story home. Even their family dog has become part of their preparedness routine through evacuation practice.
Those lighthearted stories served as reminders that emergency planning doesn’t have to be intimidating. Instead, it should become a normal part of family life.
Another important topic involved receiving accurate information during emergencies.
Moore urged residents to sign up for local emergency notification systems, keep weather radios readily available and verify information through trusted sources instead of relying solely on social media rumors.
False reports, he explained, often spread quickly during disasters and can create unnecessary confusion when residents are already dealing with stressful situations.
Emergency preparedness buckets distributed during the workshop included weather radios, flashlights, whistles, emergency blankets, water purification tablets, first-aid supplies and waterproof pouches for storing important documents. Moore encouraged participants to customize those kits by adding foods their families regularly eat, extra prescription medications, batteries, phone chargers and other personal necessities.
Moore also stressed the importance of organizing important paperwork before disaster strikes.
Insurance policies, driver’s licenses, medical records and photographs documenting the condition of homes and personal property can make filing insurance claims and applying for disaster assistance significantly easier following an emergency. He also encouraged renters to consider renters insurance, noting that many people mistakenly believe their landlord’s insurance covers their personal belongings when it often does not.
While emergency supplies are important, Moore said one of the most valuable resources during any disaster is a strong community.
He encouraged neighbors to know one another before emergencies happen, check on elderly residents following storms and develop relationships that can make recovery easier when emergency responders are overwhelmed with calls for assistance. Families should also establish meeting locations and discuss evacuation plans with children so everyone knows where to go if they become separated.
Financial preparedness was another topic discussed during the workshop.
Moore acknowledged that not every family can immediately set aside a large emergency fund, but he encouraged participants to save what they can over time. Even a modest amount of emergency cash can help cover unexpected expenses, such as fuel, lodging or emergency supplies, when disasters disrupt everyday life.
During a question-and-answer session, Moore explained how federal disaster declarations work and discussed how United Way partners with local organizations and government agencies to assist families recovering from federally declared disasters. He described programs that have helped residents repair homes, replace damaged property and navigate recovery resources after major disasters across Southwest Virginia.
As the evening concluded, each household received a preparedness bucket to take home.
Moore encouraged participants not to place the buckets in a closet and forget about them, but instead use them as the starting point for a more comprehensive family emergency plan.
His final message was simple: disaster preparedness isn’t about expecting the worst every day. It’s about taking practical steps today that can reduce fear, lessen stress and help families recover more quickly when the unexpected happens.
