On Thursday, October 17^th at 10:17 AM, NOVA will participate in The Great SouthEast ShakeOut regional earthquake drill.

What do I do?

An announcement will be made at 10:17 AM using the intercom telephone system to start the drill.  Once the announcement is made, you should DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON!

The Timeline will be as follows:

10:17   An announcement will be made that the drill is starting. “This is the start of the Regional Earthquake drill, please drop, cover, and hold on!”  At this time, you should drop to the ground, take cover under a table or sturdy desk, and hold on to it until the shaking stops.

10:22   An announcement will be made that the earthquake is over.  “The earthquake is over, please evacuate your buildings.”  At this time, evacuate the building and report to your assembly point.  *Persons with disabilities should seek assistance in evacuations.

10:35   No announcement will be made, but the drill has officially concluded.  You should re-enter your building and go back to your office or continue class as scheduled.

Note* Mobility Challenged Individuals are encouraged to do the following:

If you’re in a wheelchair: Lock your wheels and remain seated until the shaking stops.  Always protect your head and neck with your arms, a pillow, book, or whatever may be available.

• Practice your Individual emergency evacuation plan during the evacuation phase of this drill.
• Relocate to an Area of Assistance (if you are on a floor that does not exit directly outdoors) and wait there until the drill is complete.
• Please refer to the Emergency Action Plan for more information

It is time again for the Great SouthEast ShakeOut!  We had tremendous success during last year’s ShakeOut and NOVA will once again be joing hundres of colleges and universities across the country to do it again. 

This year’s ShakeOut will take place on October 17th at 10:17 AM.  Just like last year, you will be asked to:

• Drop to the ground.
• Take Cover by getting under a desk or table.
• Hold On until the ground stops shaking (or in our case, until the rumbling sounds stop)

We will post more information in the next couple of weeks on our blog about what you can expect and when but, in the meantime, you can find out more information at The Great SouthEast ShakeOut’s website.

It is hard to believe that fall will be here in just a few weeks!  As you get back into your school-year routine, you should make certain that you are taking some time to get prepared for an emergency.  Take a look around your house to see what items you may need to stock up on like new batteries or extra bottled water.  Also, make a new plan or update your current plan for what you will do and where you will go if an emergency occurs.

The following was issued by issued by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management:

Within the past two years, many Virginians have been affected by natural disasters, from the historic Mineral earthquake to hurricanes Irene and Sandy, to Tropical Storm Lee to a severe derecho wind storm and also winter storms.  Being ready for emergencies is essential, and there is no better time to prepare than September, which is National Preparedness Month. 

“Advance planning for disasters pays off,” said Michael Cline, state coordinator of emergency management.  “Those who have taken some time to get their families, homes and businesses ready for emergencies recover more quickly.  Also, it doesn’t have to cost a lot or take a lot of time to prepare.”

Families and individuals should plan as though they will be without electricity, water service, access to a supermarket or other local services for at least three days.  Follow these steps:

• Make a plan.  This may be the single most important thing you can do, and it’s free.  Make sure everyone in your family understands where to go and what to do in case of an emergency.  Update your contact information and post it in visible places in your home and workplace.  Get a free emergency plan worksheet at www.ReadyVirginia.gov or download the Ready Virginia app from the App Store and Google Play.
• Set aside emergency supplies. Don’t wait for a storm.  Buy preparedness items throughout the year instead of all at once.  Shop at sales and used goods stores. Choose the essentials that fit your needs and budget.  If you don’t have emergency supplies, September is a good time to get started.  Get a list at www.ReadyVirgina.gov.
• Store water.  You don’t have to buy expensive bottled water.  Just make sure your water containers are disinfected and airtight.  Have at least a three-day supply of water on hand – that’s one gallon per person per day. 
• Check your policy.  Take a few minutes to review your insurance policy during National Preparedness Month.  Get with your agent to make any necessary changes.  Consider adding flood insurance because most policies don’t include it.  Renters can get flood insurance, too.  Visit www.floodsmart.gov for more.
• Stay informed.   Stay aware of changing weather conditions by monitoring local media reports.  Get a battery-powered and/or hand-crank radio with a weather band so you can hear emergency information when the power is out.

To learn more about National Preparedness Month and to join the national community of people and organizations who have pledged to prepare in September, go to www.Ready.gov.