Old Dominion University to Conduct Earthquake Preparedness Drill on October 17

On October 17, Old Dominion University will hold an emergency notification system test at 10:17 a.m. as part of the Great Southeast ShakeOut earthquake preparedness drill. This initiative aims to educate students, faculty, and staff on earthquake safety, emphasizing the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique. Notifications will be distributed via multiple channels, and registration for alerts is encouraged.

Old Dominion University (ODU) will conduct its semiannual test of the Emergency Notification System (ODU Alerts) on Thursday, October 17, at 10:17 a.m., coinciding with the multistate earthquake preparedness drill, “The Great Southeast ShakeOut.” This exercise aims to educate students, faculty, and staff on earthquake safety procedures, particularly the effective “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique, which emphasizes the importance of safety during an earthquake rather than attempting to exit a building. During the drill, emergency notifications will be sent via various channels, including outdoor loudspeakers, text messages, desktop alerts, email, and the ODU website, although outdoor notifications will only target those outside on the Norfolk main campus.

Should weather conditions be unfavorable or if a significant emergency arises, the drill will be postponed to the same time on the following business day when conditions are fair. As part of this initiative, individuals who are not already registered for ODU Alerts are encouraged to sign up via the university’s website to ensure they receive timely updates and remain informed of safety protocols. Furthermore, over 762,000 Virginians have registered for the 2024 Great Southeast ShakeOut, demonstrating significant participation from the public.

Virginia has been actively involved in earthquake preparedness drills since 2012, following the memorable 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Mineral that impacted thousands of residents and caused considerable damage to iconic structures. For more information on earthquake safety protocols, the ODU community is advised to visit the emergency preparedness resources available through ODU’s website and the ShakeOut initiative.

The Great Southeast ShakeOut is a comprehensive earthquake preparedness drill aimed at improving safety awareness and emergency response in the event of an earthquake. With a history of significant earthquakes affecting Virginia, including the notable 2011 event in Mineral, this initiative serves as a crucial method for educating residents on appropriate responses to seismic activities. The drill advocates the essential safety practice of “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” which has been recognized by emergency management authorities as the preferred response to earthquakes in the United States. ODU’s participation underscores the university’s commitment to community safety and emergency preparedness planning.

In summary, Old Dominion University will conduct an emergency notification system test on October 17, coinciding with a multistate earthquake preparedness drill to educate its community on safety protocols. Registration for ODU Alerts is strongly encouraged to ensure timely communication. The drill reinforces the significance of preparedness in light of Virginia’s seismic history and aims to equip individuals with the knowledge to respond appropriately during an earthquake.

Original Source: www.odu.edu