ODU to Conduct Earthquake Preparedness Drill on October 17

On October 17, Old Dominion University will participate in the Great Southeast ShakeOut earthquake preparedness drill at 10:17 a.m. This event is part of a multistate initiative aimed at promoting earthquake safety among students, faculty, and staff, and will coincide with the university’s test of its Emergency Notification System, ODU Alerts. Participants are encouraged to practice the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” techniques to enhance their readiness for potential earthquakes.

Old Dominion University (ODU) will host an Earthquake Preparedness Drill as part of the Great Southeast ShakeOut on Thursday, October 17, at 10:17 a.m. This event aims to enhance earthquake safety awareness among students, faculty, and staff. As part of this initiative, ODU will also execute its semiannual test of the Emergency Notification System, known as ODU Alerts, synchronized with the drill. During this drill, official communications will be dispatched via various channels, including outdoor loudspeakers (limited to the Norfolk main campus), text messages, desktop computer alerts, emails to students, faculty, and staff, as well as updates on the ODU website. It is important to note that the outdoor loudspeaker announcements are designed exclusively for those outdoors, and are not effective within buildings. Should there be adverse weather conditions or a real emergency, the drill will be rescheduled to the same time on the subsequent fair-weather business day. Participants in the drill will engage in the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” approach, which is the recommended response during an earthquake. This method advises individuals to drop to the ground, take refuge under a sturdy table or desk if feasible, and maintain their position until the shaking has ceased. Notably, instinct may lead one to run outside during an earthquake; however, such actions are perilous, as falling debris and other hazards may pose significant risks. According to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, adopting the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” procedure is the best practice for earthquake situations across the United States. The state of Virginia’s participation in the Great Southeast ShakeOut has grown significantly, with over 762,000 residents, including more than 69,000 in higher education, preparing for the 2024 event. Virginia began involvement in this drill following a 5.8 magnitude earthquake in 2011 that affected nearly 4,500 individuals and businesses and caused significant damage to various structures. For additional information about earthquake safety, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the respective websites or reach out to ODU Emergency Management for any inquiries.

The importance of earthquake preparedness has gained attention due to past seismic events in Virginia, especially after the 2011 earthquake that affected a substantial number of residents and infrastructure. The Great Southeast ShakeOut is a coordinated drill that promotes safety practices and establishes protocols to follow during an earthquake. The initiative encourages the practice of the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” method which is crucial for minimizing injuries during such natural disasters. ODU’s involvement in this drill underscores its commitment to ensuring the safety and preparedness of its campus community.

The ODU Earthquake Preparedness Drill on October 17 serves as a vital opportunity for the university community to enhance their awareness and readiness for seismic events. By participating in this multistate drill and utilizing the ODU Alerts system, students, faculty, and staff will be better equipped to respond effectively in the event of an earthquake, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in safeguarding lives and property.

Original Source: www.odu.edu