Old Dominion University to Hold Earthquake Preparedness Drill on October 17

On October 17 at 10:17 a.m., Old Dominion University will conduct an earthquake preparedness drill as part of “The Great Southeast ShakeOut,” including a test of its Emergency Notification System. Participants will practice the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique to enhance earthquake readiness. In case of inclement weather, the drill will be postponed. ODU encourages registration for alerts to stay informed.

Old Dominion University (ODU) will conduct an essential earthquake preparedness drill on Thursday, October 17, at precisely 10:17 a.m. This event, part of the larger initiative known as “The Great Southeast ShakeOut,” aims to educate students, faculty, and staff about earthquake safety protocols. Concurrently, ODU will also be running a semiannual test of its Emergency Notification System, ODU Alerts. During the approximate ten-minute drill, notifications may be issued through various channels including outdoor loudspeakers (applicable only to the Norfolk main campus), text messages, desktop alerts, institutional emails, and the ODU website. It is important to note that outdoor notifications are solely intended for individuals outside, as they do not penetrate building walls. In the event of adverse weather conditions or a genuine emergency, the drill will be postponed to the next suitable business day under fair weather conditions. Those who have not yet registered to receive such alerts are encouraged to visit the ODU Alerts website at www.odu.edu/alerts to enroll in the complimentary service. Participants in the drill will practice the recommended earthquake safety technique: “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” This technique instructs individuals to drop to the ground, seek shelter under a sturdy desk or table if possible, and hold on until the shaking has ceased, as running outside presents significant dangers due to potential falling debris and dislodged building materials. The efficacy of the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” method has been supported by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, which recognizes it as the best response action during an earthquake in the United States. Since Virginia’s initiation into this multistate drill in 2012, following a notable 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Mineral that impacted thousands and caused extensive damage, more than 762,000 residents, including over 69,000 in higher education and roughly 23,000 within state government, have participated in the 2024 Great Southeast ShakeOut.

Preparedness drills, such as the one conducted by ODU, are crucial for educating communities about earthquake safety. In recent years, earthquakes have become a significant concern in certain regions, necessitating practical preparedness measures. Previous experiences, such as the 2011 Mineral earthquake in Virginia, which caused widespread damage including the fechamento of the Washington Monument for repairs, underscore the importance of such drills. Initiatives like “The Great Southeast ShakeOut” engage thousands across multiple states in simultaneous preparedness training to enhance community resilience.

In summary, the earthquake preparedness drill at Old Dominion University on October 17 aims to enhance awareness and readiness among its community members. By practicing the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique, participants will be better equipped to respond effectively in the event of an earthquake. Furthermore, the drill highlights the importance of emergency notifications and the need for individuals to stay informed and prepared. The escalating participation numbers emphasize the growing commitment to safety in our communities.

Original Source: www.odu.edu