Virginia Beach Community Connect

Greetings, neighbors — this is Fire Chief Ken Pravetz, and I want to take a moment to introduce you to a powerful new tool we’re bringing to our department and our community: First Due Community Connect.

Emergencies are unpredictable. When our crews arrive, every second counts — and the more we know about a home or business before we get there, the better prepared we can be. That’s exactly what Community Connect helps us do: it gives you a secure online portal to share important life-safety information directly with the fire department.

Here are just a few of the things you can tell us through Community Connect:

Who lives in your home, and how to reach them — so we know who may be inside.

Whether anyone in your household has special medical or mobility needs.

If you have pets or livestock — including photos and vet contact — so we can plan accordingly.

Key information about your property: where shut-offs are, where you keep your pool or other hazards, or even where hazardous materials might be.

For business owners, you can also document building access, fire-system details, and even upload floor plans.

But it doesn’t stop there. During an actual incident, Community Connect gives our crews real-time access to that data right on their mobile devices — helping them make safer, faster decisions.  We can also send automated notifications via text to emergency contacts, so you’re kept informed if something happens.

The best part? It’s free for residents and business owners, and completely voluntary. You control what you share, and you can update your information anytime.

By signing up, you’re not just helping us — you’re helping protect yourself, your family, and our first responders. It only takes a few minutes, but the difference it can make in an emergency is huge.

Thank you all for being part of this community, and for partnering with us to make it safer. If you want help getting started, or if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your local fire station or visit the Community Connect site.

Stay safe,