First an earthquake and now a hurricane?

While there is only a distant chance that Northern Virginia will get hit with Hurricane Irene later this week, it is still a good idea to familiarize yourself with the College's emergency procedures located at: www.nvcc.edu/emergency.

Also, take a moment to look at FEMA's hurricane preparedness information by going to: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/hu_before.shtm

If Hurricane Irene does take a turn and heads our way, be sure to check the College's homepage for emergency updates or closing information: www.nvcc.edu.

A Friendly Reminder on How to Evacuate

Many people forget what to do or become panicked in the midst of an emergency. However, if you familiarize yourself with the proper steps, you are more likely to remember where to go and what to do. Below are the evacuation procedures from the Office of Emergency Management & Planning's website: http://www.nvcc.edu/about-nova/emergency/campus/annandale/procedures/evacuation/index.html

Prepare:
Become familiar with posted evacuation routes. Established alternate routes can be used in the event the primary route is blocked or unsafe.

During evacuation:

Evacuate quickly.

Follow instructions from emergency personnel and follow the directions provided for safe routes of evacuation.

Check doors for heat before opening. (Do not open door if hot).

Close the door as you exit your room or office.

Dress appropriately for the weather.

Take personal belongings.

Turn off unnecessary equipment, computers and appliances.

Walk, do not run. Do not push or crowd.

Keep noise to a minimum so you can hear emergency instructions. Use handrails in stairwells; stay to the right.

Assist people with disabilities to the Areas of Rescue Assistance.

Listen to a radio, if available, to monitor emergency status.

Do not use your personal vehicle for evacuation unless specifically instructed to do so. If cars are used to evacuate, protect against hazardous materials by keeping windows closed and outside air conditioning systems turned off.

Relocating outside the building to the pre-arranged gathering point:

Move quickly away from the building.

Watch for falling glass and other debris.

Try to stay with your fellow employees so all can be accounted for.

If you have relocated away from the building, DO NOT return until notified that it is safe to do so.

An Earthquake in Northern VA? Really?

Who would have ever thought that Northern Virginia would experience an earthquake as strong as we had yesterday? The Office of Emergency Management & Planning would like to provide you with some useful information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on how you can be prepared for this type of incident. We would also like to take this opportunity to remind you to familiarize yourself with the College's emergency procedures located at www.nvcc.edu/emergency.

What to Do During an Earthquake

Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and if you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

If indoors:

• DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.


• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.


• Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.


• Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, load bearing doorway.


• Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.


• Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.


• DO NOT use the elevators.

If outdoors:

• Stay there.


• Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.


• Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

For additional Earthquake Preparedness follow this link - http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/index.shtm