Virginia Emergency Support Teams (VEST)
Comprised of more than 300 credentialed members, the VEST draws its staff from all Executive Branch state agencies, dozens of NGOs, and private sector companies such as Verizon and Dominion. In addition, most VDEM full-time headquarters staff are trained to be emergency managers and are assigned a VEST position following their onboarding. VDEM maintains a 3 team rotation roster and fills the majority of VEST Command and General Staff positions. During steady-state operations, VEST training is conducted on a bimonthly basis on a variety of emergency management topics. Introductory training is mostly conducted online.
During VEST Activations, some staff may be physically present at the VEOC while others may or may not be activated. The VEST has four levels of activation designated by colors.
