The Shadow
Richmond, VA (VR) — The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its corrections team and more than 22,000 inmates. As the summer months begin, this includes annual preparations for warm weather-related conditions at the Department’s facilities.
The VADOC will implement significant steps to ensure that facilities without air conditioning are provided ample heat mitigation resources, including:
- The installation of fans
- Providing extra ice and water pouches
- Adjustments to the scheduling and locations of some activities
- Misting fans in some facilities
- Smoke exhaust fans in some facilities to increase airflow
Corrections team members will conduct temperature checks multiple times per day to ensure all VADOC facilities stay within safe ranges and that all heat mitigation equipment is functioning properly. The Department will continue to follow American Correctional Association (ACA) standards for heat mitigation and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance on ice handling and distribution.
All VADOC facilities constructed since 1990 have had air conditioning integrated into their design. For older facilities, the VADOC is exploring the use of temporary portable A/C units, as well as working to install long-term and permanent solutions.
