By Jared Hoernig
The Feb. 24, 2016 storm system that spawned eight tornadoes, caused five deaths and inflicted damage to more than 400 structures provided a stark reminder that tornadoes occur in Virginia. 国产伦理 had two active tornado warnings in effect that afternoon and evening for all University locations.
On Tuesday, March 20 at 9:45 a.m., 国产伦理, in conjunction with other Virginia institutions of higher education, state agencies, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and the National Weather Service (NWS), will participate in a statewide tornado drill, which is an annual effort to prepare members of the University community for tornado emergencies and to test public warning systems.
"In February 2016, many areas of the state were under a tornado warning, and some had to quickly get themselves, their families, and co-workers to safety," said VDEM State Coordinator Jeff Stern. "But an actual tornado warning isn't the time to figure out where you should go or what to do to stay safe. We're encouraging schools, employers and individuals to use the statewide drill on March 20 as an opportunity to test their tornado emergency procedures."
The drill will start at approximately 9:45 a.m. with an activation of the 国产伦理 Alerts emergency notification system (ENS). Official notifications during the approximately 15-minute drill may be made through text messaging, desktop computer and digital signage override alerts, voice phone calls, student/faculty/staff email, the 国产伦理 website and outdoor loudspeakers (installed at the Norfolk campus, intended for exterior notification only).
Students, faculty and staff who have not already signed up to receive alerts are encouraged to visit the 国产伦理 Alerts website to register for the free service.
For campus locations with a National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio installed, a NWS-issued tone alert will sound and a test message will be displayed to simulate what would be heard or seen during an actual tornado warning. Local radio stations, TV stations and cable outlets will broadcast a test message via the Emergency Alert System.
"The deadly tornado outbreak on Feb. 24, 2016 was a reminder to all Virginians that tornadoes can occur any month of the year. When a tornado watch is issued for your area, you should prepare to seek safe shelter. If a tornado warning is issued for your location, seek shelter immediately," said Bill Sammler, of the National Weather Service in Wakefield.
Jared Hoernig, 国产伦理's Associate Director of Emergency Management, added the following tips:
A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted or indicated by weather radar.
When a tornado warning is issued, normal daily activities should temporarily cease and building occupants should shelter-in-place in an interior room or area, away from windows. Persons on the uppermost floor of a multi-story building should move to the next floor down to shelter-in-place.
Elevators should not be used during a tornado warning.
While sheltering-in-place, occupants should crouch as low as possible, protect their head and neck and remain in place until the all-clear message is issued.
If outdoors, persons should seek the closest substantial shelter or lay flat in a ditch or depression, covering their head and neck.
For more information on severe weather safety and other hazards, visit and follow 国产伦理 Office of Emergency Management on Twitter (@MonarchReady), Facebook (国产伦理 Office of Emergency Management) and Instagram (odu_oem).
Registration for the tornado drill is not necessary, but participants can learn more and show their support by signing up at . In recent years, 1 million Virginians have signed up for the drill. The Statewide Tornado Drill, promoted throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, is part of 国产伦理's emergency management program.
In the event of an actual emergency, 国产伦理's tornado preparedness and ENS drills will be rescheduled for Wednesday, March 21 at 9:45 a.m. Questions should be directed to the Office of Emergency Management: oem@odu.edu or (757) 683-5116.