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Mark Your Calendar for the the Great SouthEast ShakeOut on 10/17

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.

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September is National Preparedness Month

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. 

 

Emergency, Inclement Weather, Preparedness

How to Stay Safe in a Heat Wave

The summer heat has arrived in full force this week in Northern Virginia.  With temperatures expected to be in the upper 90s to near or at 100, it is important to know how to keep yourself and others safe when outdoors.  Below you will find some important information from our Safety Office on how you can prevent as well as how to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses.  We encourage you to try to stay inside and hydrated as much as possible as long as we are stuck in this heat wave.

Heat Stress occurs when the body is unable to cool itself by sweating, several heat-induced illnesses such as heat stress or heat exhaustion and the more severe heat stroke can occur, and can result in death.

Factors Leading to Heat Stress May Include:

  • High temperature and humidity
  • Direct sun or heat
  • Limited air movement
  • Physical exertion
  • Poor physical condition
  • Some medicines
  • Inadequate tolerance for hot workplaces

Ways to Prevent Heat Stress Include:

  • Know the signs/symptoms of heat-related illnesses
  • Monitor yourself and co-workers
  • Block out direct sun or other heat sources
  • Use cooling fans/air-conditioning
  • Rest regularly
  • Drink lots of water; about 1 cup every 15 minutes
  • Wear lightweight, light colored, and loose-fitting clothes
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or heavy meals

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion Include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness or fainting
  • Weakness and moist skin
  • Mood changes such as irritability or confusion
  • Upset stomach or vomiting

Symptoms of Heat Stroke Include:

  • Dry, hot skin with no sweating
  • Mental confusion or losing consciousness
  • Seizures or convulsions

What to Do for Heat-Related Illness:

  • Call 911 (or local emergency number) at once
  • While waiting for help to arrive:
    • Move to a cool, shaded area
    • Loosen or remove heavy clothing
    • Provide cool drinking water
    • Fan and mist the person with water
Inclement Weather, Preparedness

Do you know what to do when severe weather hits?

Here we are again…  the beginning of the severe weather season.  As the meteorologists contemplate whether or not Northern Virginia is going to get hit by severe storms or even another derecho, we encourage you to make certain that you are prepared for whatever happens.  Familiarize yourself with NOVA’s Severe Weather Shelter Areas.  These areas are marked by green Severe Weather Shelter Area signs indicating that the space is designated as a safe area inside a building and away from windows.  You may be instructed to go to one of these areas in the event that there is a Tornado Warning issued or some other severe weather that requires you to get to a safe room.

Some tips for severe weather include:

  •  If a tornado WARNING is received, seek shelter immediately in a severe weather shelter area or go to an area that is in an interior hallway or room; at the lowest level in the building; and/or an area free of windows or glass.
  • Protect your body from flying debris with furniture and/or sturdy equipment.
  • Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

FEMA has several resources for aiding you to be prepared for severe weather at work, school, and/or home.  You can find out more on severe weather, tornadoes, and flooding at their website.

In the event that there is widespread damage or power outages, like after last summer’s derecho, please check NOVA’s homepage for status updates in case the College is closed or delayed.  You can also find more detailed information related to where any potential closings or delays will be announced by visiting OEMP’s website.

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Are You Ready for Severe Weather?

In light of the severe weather that hit the Midwest this past week, OEMP wants to encourage everyone to follow FEMA’s advice and, “Make a Plan.”  By going to FEMA’s website, you can find advice for all types of natural disasters from earthquakes to tornadoes.  We also encourage you to locate the Severe Weather Shelter locations closest to your office or classroom in the event that you are instructed to Shelter in Place.