Old Dominion University Hosts Earthquake Preparedness Drill on October 17

Old Dominion University will conduct an earthquake preparedness drill on October 17 at 10:17 a.m. as part of the Great Southeast ShakeOut. Participants will practice the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique while the university tests its Emergency Notification System to enhance community safety and awareness.

Old Dominion University (ODU) will host an earthquake preparedness drill on Thursday, October 17, at 10:17 a.m. as part of the larger initiative known as “The Great Southeast ShakeOut.” This event will offer students, faculty, and staff essential knowledge about earthquake safety while simultaneously testing the university’s Emergency Notification System. Notifications may occur through various channels, including outdoor loudspeakers, text messages, and emails to ensure the campus community is informed.

During the 10-minute drill, participants will practice the earthquake safety technique known as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” This method advises individuals to drop to the ground, seek shelter under a sturdy surface, and remain in place until the shaking ceases. ODU emphasizes the importance of this procedure over the instinctive reaction to evacuate outdoors, which poses heightened risks during seismic events.

Virginia has actively participated in the Great Southeast ShakeOut since 2012, motivated by the impact of a 5.8 magnitude earthquake that affected the central part of the state. The initiative educates residents on earthquake preparedness, as evidenced by the impressive registration numbers that include over 762,000 Virginians across various sectors. In light of this ongoing commitment to community safety, ODU encourages those not yet registered for alerts to visit the ODU Alerts website.

Earthquake preparedness is crucial in mitigating the effects of seismic events, particularly in regions prone to tectonic activity. The Great Southeast ShakeOut drill serves as an opportunity to enhance public knowledge and response strategies in the event of an earthquake. The state of Virginia initiated this program to improve overall safety and awareness following a notable earthquake that underscored the vulnerability of its communities. By participating in such drills, institutions like ODU actively contribute to a culture of preparedness and resilience.

In conclusion, the upcoming earthquake preparedness drill at Old Dominion University is a vital initiative aimed at educating the campus community about effective safety measures during seismic events. The drill not only highlights the significance of the Emergency Notification System but also promotes the best practices of “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” ODU encourages all individuals to participate and stay informed on earthquake safety.

Original Source: www.odu.edu