Old Dominion University to Conduct Earthquake Preparedness Drill on October 17
Old Dominion University will participate in a multistate earthquake preparedness drill on October 17 at 10:17 a.m. The event, part of “The Great Southeast ShakeOut,” will include a test of the ODU Emergency Notification System. Participants will practice the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique to ensure safety during an earthquake. Those not registered for alerts should sign up at www.odu.edu/alerts.
On Thursday, October 17 at 10:17 a.m., Old Dominion University (ODU) is set to conduct an important event focused on earthquake preparedness. This event is part of a larger initiative known as “The Great Southeast ShakeOut,” a multistate earthquake drill that aims to educate participants on safety measures during an earthquake. During this exercise, ODU will also implement its semiannual test of the Emergency Notification System (ODU Alerts). The drill is expected to last approximately 10 minutes, during which notifications will be issued via various channels including outdoor loudspeakers on the Norfolk campus, text messages, desktop computer alerts, and emails directed towards students, faculty, and staff. It is important to note that the outdoor loudspeaker notifications are specifically designed to alert individuals who are outdoors, as the system does not penetrate building walls. In the event of inclement weather or an actual emergency, the drill will be rescheduled to the next fair-weather business day at the same time. To ensure all members of the ODU community receive alerts, those who have not yet registered are encouraged to visit the ODU Alerts website at www.odu.edu/alerts. During the drill, participants will be instructed to practice the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique, a recommended safety response during an earthquake. This involves dropping to the ground, taking cover beneath a sturdy surface such as a table, and holding on until the shaking subsides. It is vital to refrain from running outdoors in the event of an earthquake, as this poses substantial risks due to falling debris and other hazards. According to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” procedure is regarded as the most effective safety protocol in the event of an earthquake in the United States. Virginia has been actively participating in the ShakeOut drill since 2012, following a significant 5.8 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Mineral, Virginia, which affected nearly 4,500 individuals and required extensive repairs to architectural landmarks such as the Washington Monument. For further information on earthquake preparedness, ODU recommends visiting the websites www.odu.edu/emergency and www.shakeout.org/southeast, or contacting ODU Emergency Management at [email protected] or 757-683-5116.
Earthquake preparedness drills serve a critical function in educating individuals about the appropriate safety practices to adopt during unexpected seismic events. Specifically, the “Great Southeast ShakeOut” is a coordinated multistate initiative that encourages communities, particularly in educational and governmental institutions, to engage in training and drills that reinforce earthquake safety protocols. The significance of this program is underscored by recent historical events, notably Virginia’s experienced earthquake in 2011, which emphasized the need for awareness and preparedness among residents and institutions to mitigate risks during such occurrences.
In summary, the upcoming earthquake preparedness drill at Old Dominion University represents an essential opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to enhance their understanding of safety protocols during seismic events. Engaging in the “Great Southeast ShakeOut” will foster a culture of preparedness within the university community, ensuring that all members are well-informed and equipped to respond effectively in the event of an earthquake. Encouraging participation and registration in the ODU Alerts system further enhances the overall emergency response capabilities at the university.
Original Source: www.odu.edu
