Old Dominion University Hosts Earthquake Preparedness Drill on October 17
Old Dominion University will hold an earthquake preparedness drill, “The Great Southeast ShakeOut,” on October 17 at 10:17 a.m. This event will include a test of the Emergency Notification System (ODU Alerts). Participants will practice the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” safety procedure. The drill is essential for promoting earthquake safety awareness among the university community.
Old Dominion University (ODU) will conduct an earthquake preparedness drill known as “The Great Southeast ShakeOut” on Thursday, October 17, at 10:17 a.m. This event aims to enhance awareness regarding earthquake safety protocols among students, faculty, and staff. At this designated time, ODU will also carry out its semiannual test of the Emergency Notification System (ODU Alerts). During the approximately ten-minute drill, official alerts may be disseminated through outdoor loudspeakers (limited to the Norfolk main campus), text messaging, desktop notifications, emails to all students, faculty, and staff, as well as updates on the ODU website. Individuals outdoors will be informed via the loudspeakers, but it is essential to note that this system is ineffective indoors because its sound does not penetrate building walls. Should adverse weather conditions or a genuine emergency arise, the drill will be rescheduled to the same time on the following suitable business day. ODU encourages those who have not yet registered for the emergency alerts to visit the ODU Alerts website to enroll in this complimentary service. Participants in the drill will practice the recommended safety procedure: “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” In the face of an earthquake, individuals are advised to drop to the ground, seek shelter under a sturdy desk or table when feasible, and hold on until the trembling ceases. The instinct to evacuate outdoors might seem logical; however, this response can prove perilous, as the ground shifts threaten injury from falling debris such as bricks, glass, and various construction materials. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management endorses the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” method as the most effective strategy during an earthquake. In preparation for the 2024 Great Southeast ShakeOut, over 762,000 residents of Virginia, including more than 69,000 individuals in higher education and over 23,000 state government employees, have already registered. Virginia has participated in this multistate drill since 2012, following a significant 5.8 magnitude earthquake that struck in Mineral, Virginia, affecting nearly 4,500 people and causing considerable structural damage, including to the Washington Monument, which required $15 million in Repairs.
Earthquake preparedness is crucial for universities and communities located in seismically active regions. Old Dominion University is hosting a preparedness drill to educate its population on how to respond effectively during an earthquake. The drill is part of a broader initiative known as “The Great Southeast ShakeOut,” which engages a significant number of participants across Virginia and neighboring states to practice emergency protocols. The inclination to act during such natural disasters is often instinctual; thus, formal drills are designed to instill the best practices for safety, emphasizing methods recommended by emergency management authorities. Furthermore, the long-term effects of previous earthquakes in Virginia underscore the importance of preparedness and collective readiness in minimising the impact of future seismic events.
In conclusion, the upcoming earthquake preparedness drill at Old Dominion University aims to enhance awareness and readiness among the university community. The event will not only test the effectiveness of the ODU Alerts system but also provide a valuable opportunity for participants to practice life-saving earthquake safety techniques. By registered involvement in this initiative, students, faculty, and staff will contribute to fostering a culture of preparedness, ensuring they are equipped to handle potential emergencies effectively.
Original Source: www.odu.edu
