Old Dominion University Hosts Earthquake Preparedness Drill on October 17
Old Dominion University will hold an earthquake preparedness drill on October 17 at 10:17 a.m. as part of “The Great Southeast ShakeOut” initiative. Participants will practice the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” method to enhance safety awareness. The university will also conduct a test of its Emergency Notification System during this time, and those yet to register for alerts can do so at no cost.
On Thursday, October 17, at 10:17 a.m., Old Dominion University will facilitate a simultaneous multistate earthquake preparedness drill known as “The Great Southeast ShakeOut.” This initiative aims to educate students, faculty, and staff on earthquake safety protocols, particularly the vital practice of the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique.
During the drill, which lasts approximately ten minutes, ODU will also conduct its semiannual test of the Emergency Notification System (ODU Alerts). Notifications will be disseminated via outdoor loudspeakers on the Norfolk main campus, text messages, desktop alerts, emails, and the university’s website. It is important to emphasize that outdoor loudspeakers are limited to alerting individuals outside, as their sound does not penetrate building walls.
If adverse weather conditions or an actual emergency arise, the drill will be rescheduled to occur at 10:17 a.m. on the next suitable business day. Those who have yet to register for alerts can do so at www.odu.edu/alerts at no cost.
The drill emphasizes the life-saving practice of “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” encouraging participants to stay low during an earthquake and find safety under sturdy furniture while the shaking continues. This method is strongly recommended by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, advising against running outdoors during tremors, as this can lead to injuries from falling debris.
The state of Virginia has actively participated in the Great Southeast ShakeOut since 2012, following a significant earthquake of 5.8 magnitude that affected approximately 4,500 residents and led to substantial damage, including repairs to the Washington Monument. For this year’s drill, more than 762,000 Virginians, including over 69,000 in higher education and 23,000 in state government, have registered to participate.
For further information regarding earthquake safety and preparedness, please refer to www.odu.edu/emergency or www.shakeout.org/southeast. Queries may be directed to ODU Emergency Management at [email protected] or by phone at 757-683-5116.
This article discusses an upcoming earthquake preparedness drill at Old Dominion University scheduled for October 17, 2024. The drill, known as “The Great Southeast ShakeOut,” aims to enhance awareness and readiness for earthquake situations among the university community. The practice of “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” is highlighted as an effective response during an earthquake, which has been promoted by emergency management authorities following historical seismic events in Virginia. The initiative serves not only as a training exercise but also as a critical reminder of the importance of readiness in the face of natural disasters.
In conclusion, the drill on October 17 represents an important opportunity for Old Dominion University’s community to engage in earthquake preparedness and safety practices. The simultaneous testing of the ODU Alerts system enhances the institution’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its members. By participating in this multistate earthquake drill, ODU contributes to broader emergency preparedness efforts that have implications for both individual safety and community resilience.
Original Source: www.odu.edu
