Richmond, VA - The City of Richmond has released findings from its Incident Response Assessment, conducted by Hagerty Consulting, a nationally recognized emergency management consulting firm. The assessment evaluates the City's response to the January 5, 2025, Winter Storm and Water Crisis and provides strategic recommendations to strengthen emergency preparedness and operational resilience.

"The Incident Response Assessment is a vital step in understanding our response to the Winter Storm and Water Crisis," said Stephen Willoughby, Director of the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response. "This assessment examines the City's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) response, identifying key strengths and areas for improvement around communications, coordination, and resource management."

The findings from the Incident Response Assessment and the After-Action Assessment by HNTB provide a comprehensive view of the City's emergency response capabilities. Insights from these assessments will inform strategies to enhance the city's resilience in the face of emergencies, such as natural disasters, public health emergencies, or hazardous material incidents. By using the insights gained from the Winter Storm and Water Crisis to improve planning, training, and resource allocation, the City aims to enhance its response effectiveness and ensure the continuity of essential services for residents.

The City remains committed to continuous improvement and transparency, and this assessment represents a significant step forward in building a safer, more resilient Richmond.

• Download the Incident Response Assessment
• Learn more about the 2025 Water Crisis and the City's response here.