Office of Emergency Mgt and Safety Works to Keep You Safe On and Off Campus

Here are some notable highlights from the Office of Emergency Management and Safety (OEMS)–you know, the folks who work behind the scenes to make sure we’re all safe and secure (and trained up and ready for the unexpected). Catch up with what they’ve been doing to make sure that happens!

NOVA’s Office of Emergency Management and Safety moves to new training center.
Recently OEMS, with the approval and support of Provost Molly Lynch and Director of Campus Operations Danielle Nickas, has obtained a new training center on the Manassas Campus in Howsmon Hall (MH-223). With the help of Manassas Facilities Department, under the direction of Dan Bieger, OEMS was able to make a smooth transition to the new location allowing for the continuation of high-quality training in a comfortable and convenient location. OEMS is grateful for this opportunity and the continuing support of the College.     

AHA HeartSaver CPR/AED courses fill quickly.
NOVA’s Office of Emergency Management and Safety over the past few months has been working diligently to provide the American Heart Association (AHA) Heartsaver CPR/ AED (automated external defibrillator) course, and Stop the Bleed training to faculty and staff. Over the past few months OEMS has provided the training and certified over 25 individuals in these lifesaving skills courses. OEMS is scheduled to provide two additional training dates, February 7 and Feb. 24. These course dates filled up quickly and are now full. However we will continue to offer these important trainings throughout the year and advertise the dates in the Daily Flyer. Watch for new dates, and sign up right away to ensure your spot.

Interested in more in-depth trainings? OEMS has planned to offer some additional training opportunities in March.
We have scheduled a Tactical Emergency Casualty Care–Active Bystander Training. This course is a one-day, eight-hour training that will provide individuals with skills and knowledge on how to respond during an intentional-violence event and how to address life-threatening emergencies. This course is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, Feb. 14 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the new training center at the Manassas Training Center (MH-223).

In addition, OEMS will be providing a three-day, 24-hour Campus-Community Emergency Response Team (C-CERT) course in March. The C-CERT program/course will teach participants tools for disaster preparedness that may impact their work or living area. It will provide knowledge and skills in basic disaster response such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. Using the classroom training and hands-on exercises, C-CERT members can assist others on their campus and in their neighborhood in the event of an emergency when professional responders are not immediately available for help. This course will be held on Fridays, Feb. 10, 17 and 24, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day at the Manassas Training Center (MH-223). All participants must be able to attend all three sessions to obtain their certification. For more information on these training opportunities or additional request please contact Rob Corwin OEMS’s Emergency Exercise and Training Administrator at oem@nvcc.edu. 

Behind the scenes:
We’re always busy behind the scenes. Recently, OEMS staff have been working on the emergency response safety maps for the newly renovated spaces at Pender and the upcoming trailer village located at the Woodbridge Campus. Many on-site visits have allowed for OEMS to determine best practices and safety locations throughout the new spaces. These maps will provide updated assembly points during evacuations, shelter-in-place locations, AED locations and fire alarm pull stations. This information is critical in providing the safest work and learning environment possible.

If you have questions about the services that OEMS performs or any of our trainings or activities, please reach out to oem@nvcc.edu or Robert Corwin, RCorwin@nvcc.edu.

Submitted by:
Robert Corwin, OEM-Emerg. Exercise Training Administrator, RCorwin@nvcc.edu