Drills, Inclement Weather, Preparedness

Statewide Tornado Drill March 22nd at 9:45 AM

The annual Statewide Tornado Drill is scheduled for 9:45am on Tuesday, March 22nd.  NOVA’s faculty, staff, and students who are on campuses or in one of the College’s off-campus locations will participate in this mandatory Statewide Drill.

Severe Weather Shelter Sign

The annual Drill is an opportunity to practice tornado safety by going to Severe Weather Shelter Areas found throughout NOVA facilities.  This Drill encourages the NOVA Community to review emergency procedures and ensure everyone is ready to act FAST if a Tornado Warning is issued.

In the event that there is severe weather and a Tornado Warning has been issued – SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY!

  • Go IMMEDIATELY to:
    • The nearest Severe Weather Shelter Area (as seen in the example on the right) OR
    • An appropriate area capable of providing protection from the event:
      • Hardened structure
      • Interior hallway or room free of windows or other glass structures
      • At the lowest level possible in the building – use stairs, do NOT use elevators
    • Use your arms to protect your head and neck.  Protect your body from flying debris with any available furniture or sturdy equipment.
    • Do NOT open windows.
    • Take account of your co-workers and/or students and attempt to locate missing persons if safety permits.

Terminology

Tornado Watch
A tornado is possible in your area.  You should monitor weather-alert radios and local radio and TV stations for information.

Tornado Warning
A tornado has been sighted in the area or has been indicated by National Weather Service Doppler radar.  When a Warning is issued, take cover immediately.

Tornados can happen anytime, anywhere, with little or no warning.  Knowing what to do when seconds count can save lives.  For more information visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s website .

Inclement Weather, Preparedness

Preparing for This Weekend’s Winter Weather

It looks like we are finally in for our first major snow storm of the winter this weekend.  There are many things you can do in advance to prepare besides digging your snow shovel and snow brush out of the back corner of your basement.  Please take a few minutes and read through FEMA’s guide on How to Prepare For a Winter Storm.  Also, make sure you are signed up with NOVA Alert so you get a text message if the College closes or has a delayed opening/early closing.  Finally, take a look through OEM’s Closing Information web page for a refresher on the College’s closing procedures as well as the media outlets that will broadcast our closing/delay status.

Inclement Weather, Preparedness

Severe Weather Readiness for January 22-23

The College is monitoring the potential impact from the predicated severe weather for this Friday and Saturday.  There is the possibility for heavy snowfall creating treacherous driving conditions, as well as power outages.

If the College’s normal operating status changes, a text alert will be sent to cell phones registered with NOVA Alert, a notice will be posted on the home page of the College’s website http://www.nvcc.edu/, and major local media outlets will broadcast closing or delay information.

For more details on the College’s inclement weather procedures as well as a listing of the media outlets that will carry the College’s closing and delay information, please go to the Office of Emergency Management’s website:   https://www.nvcc.edu/emergency/closing/index.html.    As a reminder, we ask that you do not contact Police Dispatch for closing updates.

The College urges you to consider the following ways to prepare for the potential impact of this severe weather:

Inclement Weather, Preparedness, Uncategorized

Inclement Weather Procedures

Despite the fact that this December has been mild, the Office of Emergency Management would like to remind faculty, staff, and students of the College’s inclement weather procedures. If the College is going to be closed, a text alert will be sent to cell phones registered with NOVA Alert, a notice will be posted on the home page of the College’s website, and major local media outlets will broadcast the closing information.  If the College closes early due to inclement weather, an email will be sent out to all faculty, staff, and students with the closing time.

In the Fall of 2013, the College adopted a new closing procedure for faculty and staff.  If the College closes early due to inclement weather, faculty, staff, and students will be provided with specific times they can leave.  This will help to ensure a safe and orderly departure from building and campuses.  An example of a message you may see is as follows:

NOVA classes and activities will end for students at X:XX p.m. due to inclement weather. Faculty and administrative offices will close at X:XX p.m.

For more details on the College’s inclement weather procedures as well as a listing of the media outlets that will carry the College’s closing and delay information, please go to the Office of Emergency Management’s website.  As a reminder, we ask that you do not contact Police Dispatch or the Office of Emergency Management for closing updates.

Drills, Natural Disasters, Preparedness, Training

Earthquake Drill October 15th at 10:15

October 15th at 10:15 AM, NOVA will participate in The Great SouthEast ShakeOut Regional Earthquake Drill.

What do I do?

An announcement will be made at 10:15 AM using the intercom telephone system to start the Earthquake Drill.  Once the announcement is made, you should DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON!  

The Timeline will be as follows:

10:15   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.

10:20   An announcement will be made that the Earthquake Drill is over.  “The Earthquake Drill is over, please evacuate your building.”  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 are in a wheelchair: Lock your wheels and remain seated until the shaking stops and 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.