NORFOLK, Va. (AP)- A new study says Virginia's emergency shelter management system is hampered by a lack of definitive leadership.
The preliminary assessment by a consultant says a variety of public agencies are involved in shelter and evacuation planning. But the planning is being done "in silos." No one agency or department has taken ownership of the issue.
The report also says Virginia's system cannot accommodate all the expected 50,000 evacuees if Hampton Roads experiences a devastating storm or other serious event.
Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Secretary Terrie Suit tells the newspaper that state officials are checking the assessment's information to determine its accuracy. A final report with recommendations is expected to be available to the public in the coming weeks.
