Emergency services across Virginia are coordinated at local, regional, and state levels.
* **Emergency Number:** Dial **911** statewide for immediate police, fire, or medical assistance. * **Police:** Local municipalities are served by city police or county sheriff's offices. The **Virginia State Police (VSP)** patrols state highways, manages statewide criminal investigations, and provides tactical support. * **Fire & Rescue:** Urban areas rely on professional, full-time fire departments, while many suburban and rural communities are fiercely protected by dedicated volunteer fire and rescue squads. * **Disaster Management:** The **Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM)** coordinates responses to natural disasters, such as hurricanes on the coast, inland flooding, and winter storms.