Public Information Office

The Public Information Office serves as a liaison between our citizens, the media, and the county's many departments. The Public Information Office also hosts specific web pages dedicated to larger issues affecting Roanoke County residents.

News Room

Watch the latest installment of Roanoke County Today, find links to county news, publications, and more! Visit the News Room.

Freedom of Information Requests

Learn more about how to request information from Roanoke County's Public Information Office. Learn more about FOIA Requests.

County Voices Speaker's Bureau

Would you like to schedule a county staff member to speak at your next group meeting? Find sample topics and more information about scheduling a speaker. Schedule a Roanoke County Speaker.

Contact Us

Public Information Office

Physical Address
5204 Bernard Drive
Fourth Floor
Roanoke, VA 24018

Phone: 540-772-2010

Fax: 540-561-2854
Amy Whittaker

Public Information Officer

Email Amy Whittaker

Phone: 540-772-2010
Gray Craig

Public Information Manager

Email Gray Craig

Phone: 540-777-8579
Kaelyn Spickler

Public Information Specialist

Email

Phone: (540) 772-2179

FAQs

How can I receive information about Roanoke County news and events?

For the latest news, please visit our Media Room section for helpful links to news releases, online newsletters, Board of Supervisors meeting summaries, and our Notify Me service.

Where can I find information about the Virginia Freedom of Information Act?

For information about Virginia Freedom of Information rights, requirements, and exemptions, visit their website.

What is RoCo Alert?

RoCo Alert is a system used by Roanoke County public safety officials to deliver emergency notifications to residents and businesses impacted by, or in danger of being impacted by, an emergency or disaster. Officials within the Roanoke County Emergency Communications Center can activate RoCo Alert when needed for wide area disasters such as wildfires or storm damage and also for very local alerts for flooding or neighborhood emergencies.

How does RoCo Alert work?

RoCo Alert uses the 9-1-1 Verizon telephone database to call and deliver a recorded message to all landline phone numbers in a specific geographic area within Roanoke County that may be affected by an emergency or disaster. In addition, residents can register VoIP telephones, cell phones, and an email address with an address location. Authorized public safety officials create an emergency area based on the location of an event and record a voice, email and/or text message notification. RoCo Alert sends the notification to phone numbers and email addresses assigned to locations within the emergency area.

How do I get help setting up my account?

For assistance setting up your RoCo Alert account contact the Emergency Communications Center at (540) 562-3265 or email RoCo Alert Support.

How do I add my cell phone, VoIP phone, and email address to RoCo Alert?

You may register your cellular number, VoIP telephone and email address online. Your data will not be shared or used for any purpose other than to receive public safety notifications from Roanoke County public safety officials. It is important to note that your email address will serve as a unique record “ID”, and can only be associated with one physical address in the system.