Old Dominion University to Conduct Earthquake Preparedness Drill on October 17
On Thursday, October 17, at 10:17 a.m., Old Dominion University will participate in “The Great Southeast ShakeOut” drill, focusing on earthquake preparedness. The event will feature the semiannual test of the ODU Alerts system and will promote the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” safety technique. In the event of inclement weather, the drill will be rescheduled. More than 762,000 Virginians are expected to take part in this initiative.
On Thursday, October 17, Old Dominion University (ODU) will participate in “The Great Southeast ShakeOut,” a simultaneous multistate drill focused on earthquake preparedness that will commence at 10:17 a.m. During this time, ODU will also conduct its regular semiannual test of the ODU Alerts Emergency Notification System. Individuals within the university community, which includes students, faculty, and staff, will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of earthquake safety and engage in practical preparations. The drill is expected to last approximately ten minutes and will feature a series of official notifications delivered through several mediums. These include outdoor loudspeakers (available on the Norfolk main campus), text messages, desktop alerts on university computers, and emails directed to students, faculty, and staff. It is important to note that the outdoor loudspeaker system is designated for those outdoors and will not function to penetrate building walls. Should adverse weather conditions or an actual emergency arise, the drill will be rescheduled to the same time on the subsequent fair-weather business day. Participants who have not yet enrolled in the alert system are encouraged to register for the free service available on the ODU Alerts website at www.odu.edu/alerts. During the drill, participants will practice the crucial safety strategy of “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” which provides guidance for individuals caught in an earthquake. This approach advises one to drop to the ground, seek cover beneath sturdy furniture, and maintain this position until the shaking ceases. It is imperative to resist the natural instinct to exit buildings during an earthquake, as this can prove hazardous due to falling debris and other dangers present in the aftermath of seismic activity. According to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique represents the most effective response strategy to earthquakes as practiced in the United States. Virginia’s involvement in the Great Southeast ShakeOut began in 2012, coinciding with an earthquake that registered a magnitude of 5.8 in Mineral, Virginia, affecting nearly 4,500 entities and leading to extensive repairs on the Washington Monument at a cost of $15 million. As of now, over 762,000 residents of Virginia, including more than 69,000 from higher education institutions and over 23,000 from state government, are registered for the forthcoming ShakeOut event. For additional information regarding earthquake safety protocols, please refer to www.odu.edu/emergency or www.shakeout.org/southeast. Queries may be directed to ODU Emergency Management at [email protected] or via telephone at 757-683-5116.
Understanding earthquake preparedness is essential, particularly for communities situated in seismically active regions. The Great Southeast ShakeOut serves as an important initiative aimed at educating individuals on appropriate responses during seismic events. The recommended practice, “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” is widely endorsed by emergency management authorities as an effective response to minimize injuries during earthquakes. Past seismic incidents in Virginia underscore the importance of proactive preparedness and community-wide participation in drills such as this one.
The upcoming earthquake preparedness drill at Old Dominion University is a pivotal opportunity for the university community to enhance safety awareness and practical response strategies for potential seismic events. Participation in such drills reinforces the importance of readiness and can significantly reduce injury and damage during actual earthquakes.
Original Source: www.odu.edu
