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

Severe Weather Reminders

Severe weather hit many parts of Virginia last night and this morning. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management posted the following reminders concerning tornado watches and warnings.

RICHMOND, VA -- Severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes struck many parts of Virginia last night and this morning, and the weather is expected to continue through much of the day. Residents should take precautions now.

“Everyone needs to stay tuned to local weather reports for thunderstorm and tornado warnings and take these seriously,” said Michael Cline, state coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. “Those who live in mobile homes should be ready to leave their homes if a tornado warning is issued for their area and know where they would go.”

When a tornado warning is issued, follow these steps:

• Go immediately to the lowest level of your building to an interior room or hallway. Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection.



• Stay away from windows and doorways.



• Do not stay in a trailer or mobile home.



• Go immediately to a building with a strong foundation.



• If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do not get under a bridge or overpass.



• Plan to stay in your shelter location until the danger has passed.
  

Good sources for information about possible severe weather include local television and radio broadcasts as well as NOAA Weather Radio, which broadcasts thunderstorm and tornado warnings directly from the National Weather Service. NOAA Weather Radios can be purchased in discount stores, boating and marine stores, and sporting goods stores and online. Public schools in Virginia all have NOAA Weather Radios.

After a tornado, remain out of damaged buildings and stay clear of downed power lines. Help injured or trapped people. Check on those who may require special assistance, such as the elderly, children and people with disabilities.

For information on preparing for tornadoes, go to http://m1e.net/c?72192988-tPsvK94XiZUSs%406401734-pL2/RZvWjLe6U.

FEMA Says Spring Ahead to Prepare for Disasters

The NOVA Office of Emergency Management and Planning would like to share a message from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Daylight Savings Time in the United States starts on the second Sunday in March of each year and the Federal Emergency Management Agency encourages all Americans to use the change to daylight savings time to update emergency preparedness plans. For years, firefighters and safety professionals have asked the public to change smoke alarm batteries throughout their homes, as they move their clocks ahead. According to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, the March ritual of making homes safer from fire is also a great opportunity to review disaster preparedness plans and restock disaster kits.

"You know, FEMA is not the nation’s emergency management team. True, we are an important part, but still—just a part of the team – a team that includes the entire federal family, state, local and tribal governments, faith-based and non-profit organizations, and especially the public," said Murphy. "Let’s all take full advantage of this year’s switch to Daylight Savings Time and resolve to be better prepared in 2011: build or restock your disaster kit, make or update your disaster plan, and stay informed of the hazards in your area."

FEMA’s Resolve to be Ready in 2011 campaign promotes Whole Community involvement in disaster preparedness. "The key to successful disaster response, regardless of the nature of the event, is personal preparedness," continued Murphy. "And no matter how busy or hectic our daily routine, we all need to take the time to take positive action to prepare ourselves, our loved ones and our communities in the event of severe weather, earthquake—or any other major disaster."

Resolve to be Ready in 2011 is led by FEMA’s Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and The Advertising Council. For more information on the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, visit FEMA , Ready.gov or Citizen Corps.

NOVA to Participate in Tornado Drill-March 15, 2011

All campuses and educational centers of Northern Virginia Community College will participate in the annual Statewide Torndao Drill.

Tornadoes in Virginia have struck in every month of the year and in every part of the state. It’s critical that college employeesm students and their families know what to do and where to go in case of a tornado warning.

This year, Tornado Preparedness Day in Virginia is Tuesday, March 15. At 9:45 a.m., the Statewide Tornado Drill will be held so that college can practice it's tornado emergency plans. Learn about your campus tornado plan and encourage your fellow employees to participate in the drill.

Also, please be sure that your family knows what to do and where to go at home during a tornado. Every family needs an emergency plan (for more, see Ready Virginia or on the college's emergency webpage NOVA Emergency
The statewide tornado drill is an annual effort of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service.

Are you prepared?

Being prepared at home is just as important as being prepared at NOVA. In a major disaster, it might be several days before vital services are restored. Tornados, fires, severe storms, power outages, and acts of terrorism are just some of the potential emergencies we may encounter. Imagine that you have no electricity, no gas, no water and no telephone service. Imagine that all the businesses are closed and you are without any kind of emergency services. Because in this area of the country we are exposed to a wide variety of hazards, both natural and man made, there are some excellent guides available on what you can do to prepare yourself and your family (including pets) for an emergency. Remember, in many cases you may not have much warning so you need to prepare now to be ready.

To assist in developing your own plans the NOVA Office of Emergency Management & Planning recommends the following web sites:
www.ready.gov/
www.vaemergency.com/prepare/index.cfm

For additional information about being prepared at NOVA please visit: www.nvcc.edu/emergency .

ALERT - - NOVA Opens Late on Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Due to inclement weather, the College will not open until 10AM.

ALERT - - NOVA Closes Early on Thursday, December 16, 2010

Northern Virginia Community College will close at 3:00 p.m. - Classes that begin at or after the specified time are cancelled. College offices will close at the specified time. Students with exams scheduled should look for messages on email or Blackboard.

2010 - 2011 Inclement Weather Information

In case of inclement weather, the College will announce its plans to close or to delay opening through the following news media:

AM RADIO STATIONS
WFLS 1350
WMAL 630
WPGC 1580
WTOP 820

FM RADIO STATIONS
WAMU 88.5
WASH 97.1
WFLS 93.3
WHUR 96.3
WITH 99.5
WKYS 93.9
WPGC 95.5
WRQX 107.3
WTOP 103.5

TELEVISION STATIONS
WRC Channel 4
WTTG Channel 5
WJLA Channel 7
WUSA Channel 9
NVCC-TV Channel 19, 25, 37, or 59 (Check local cable listing for your area.)

In addition, the College will place a message on the College web site and on the College TV station if there will be a change from normal operating hours.

Individuals can check for weather announcements by calling the College Call Center at 703-323-3000 or by calling NovaConnect at 703-323-3770 or in Prince William County 703-330-3770. You may also register on NOVA Alert at http://www.nvcc.edu/emergency to receive a text message. Another way to be notified is to receive alerts from your favorite social networking sites. Please see Connect with NOVA - Social Media http://www.nvcc.edu/about-nova/connect-nova/index.html for more information.

This is how to interpret closing announcements you hear on the media:

“Northern Virginia Community College is closed:” The College will be closed until classes begin on the following morning. When this simple announcement is made, it means that no day or evening classes will be held.

“Northern Virginia Community College will open X hours late:” For the purpose of delayed opening announcements, the College’s official opening time is 8 a.m. For example, a two-hour delay means that the College will open at 10 a.m. Classes that begin at 10 a.m. or after will be held as usual. College employees should arrive at the College by 10 a.m. Supervisors of employees who work special shifts should make clear how delayed openings affect attendance expectations. To avoid confusion, we try to provide the actual time of opening.

“Morning classes at Northern Virginia Community College are canceled:” The College will be closed until 12 noon. The College will open at noon and classes beginning at noon or after will be held as usual. College employees should arrive at the College by noon.

“Day classes at Northern Virginia Community College are canceled:” Day classes are those classes that begin before 4:30 p.m. The College will open and classes that begin at 4:30 p.m. or after will be held as usual. Employees whose normal work schedules extend beyond 6 p.m. should report to work by 4:30 p.m.

“Evening classes at Northern Virginia Community College are canceled:” Evening classes are those classes that begin at or after 4:30 p.m. The College will close at 4:30 p.m. and no further classes will be held until the next morning.

Please note that in all cases of delayed openings, classes that would have started prior to the opening time, but then would have continued at least 45 minutes after the opening time will go on, beginning at the opening time. For example, a three-hour class that normally begins at 9:30 am and continues to 12:30 pm would start at 10:00 am and continue as usual until 12:30 pm in the case of a two hour delay.

If weather conditions cause the College to close, all NOVA campuses and off-campus locations will also be closed.

The College makes its closing announcements as quickly as it can. During the workday, please do not call to ask whether the College will be closing. If the decision is to close, everyone will be notified. Responding to telephone calls prevents staff from receiving information from police and weather services and often slows down the closing decision.

Emergency Procedures you need to know when on a NOVA Campus!

FIRE
• Activate the nearest fire alarm and call 9-1-1 if possible.
If there are no fire alarms, knock on doors and yell “fire”
as you exit the building.
• Evacuate the building.
• Do not use elevators!
• Feel closed doors with the back of your hand.
Do not open if doors are hot.
• Move well away from the building when evacuating and
assemble at designated assembly areas.
• Do not re-enter the building until authorized by
emergency personnel.

VIOLENT INCIDENT
• Immediately seek protection/shelter in place.
• Secure area by locking or barricading door using
whatever means available.
• Stay behind solid objects away from door.
• Call 9-1-1.
• Minimize noise that may draw attention to your location:
turn off lights, computers, and radios and put cell phones
on vibrate.
• Follow all directions of authorities; do not challenge
law enforcement.
• When reporting an incident, indicate your location.

SUSPICIOUS
PERSON/OBJECT
SUSPICIOUS PERSON
• Do not physically confront the person.
• Do not let anyone into a locked building/office.
• Do not block the person’s access to an exit.
• Call 9-1-1. Provide as much information as possible
about the person and his or her direction of travel.

SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE
• Do not touch or disturb the object.
• Do not use cellular phones or two-way radios.
• Call 9-1-1.
• Notify your supervisor or instructor.
• Be prepared to evacuate and take personal
belongings with you.


SEVERE WEATHER/
TORNADO
• Prepare to shelter in place if ordered.
• Remain calm and alert.
• Relocate to designated shelter areas; remain clear of
glass windows or doors.
• If you cannot reach the designated area, use an interior
hallway on the lowest floor possible.
• If you are outside and unable to get to a building for
protection, move away from the tornado’s path at a right
angle. If there is no time to escape, lie flat in the
nearest depression (i.e., ditch or ravine).


BOMB THREAT/EXPLOSION
• Notify Campus Police at 9-1-1.
• Do not use cellular phones or two-way radios.
• Do NOT activate the fire alarm system to evacuate.
• Evacuate the building, as directed.
• Do not re-enter the building until cleared by
authorized personnel.
• Untrained persons should not try to rescue people who are
inside a collapsed building. Wait for emergency personnel.

Please visit the College's Emergency Preparedness website for more information.

Hurricane Season Starts June 1st

Hurricane Basics

Warnings and Advisories
Know the difference between "watches" and "warnings."

Hurricane Warnings and Advisories

Tropical Storm Watch
A tropical storm watch is issued when tropical storm conditions, including winds from 39 to 73
mph, pose a possible threat to a specified area within 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Warning
A tropical storm warning is issued when tropical storm conditions are expected to affect a specified area within 36 hours or less.

Hurricane Watch
A hurricane watch is issued for a specified area when hurricane conditions, including sustained winds of 74 mph or greater, are possible within 48 hours.

Hurricane Warning
A hurricane warning is issued for a specified area when hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. In coastal or near-coastal areas, a hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water, or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves, continues, even though the winds may have subsided below hurricane intensity.

Evacuation Order
The most important instruction you will receive. If issued, leave immediately

Tornado Preparadness Day at NOVA

A state-wide tornado drill will be held on March 16 at 9:45 a.m. at all NOVA campuses, centers and off-campus facilities.

It is importnat that you participate, so that you know the approprate response procedures if a tornado strikes.



For more information visit the the College Emergnecy Website

Inclement Weather Procedures-Is NOVA open or closed?

The Office of Emergency Planning suggests adding the NOVA web page to your favorites and signing up for NOVA Alert. The decision to delay/close will be broadcast via text message to registered NOVA Alert users and posted on our website

Local Vaccine Information

The Virginia Department of Health recomends that in addtion to washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough, & staying at home when your sick that the flu vaccine might be for you.

Below are links to where you can obtain information on vaccination locations in Northern Virginia.

Fairfax County

Loudoun County

Prince William County

Alexandria

Arlington County

Who do I contact at NOVA if I think I have the Flu!!

The Flu Season is in full swing and the H1N1 strain is moving throuought the nation at a rapid pace. The chances of being infected are high, but are lower if you continue to wash your hands, cover your mouth, and stay at home if your become ill.

STUDENTS- Email or Call your Instructor and let them know you are ill and provide as much information as possiable i. e. when symptoms began, if others around you are ill etc...


EMPLOYEES -Notify your supervisor and Human Resources. Provide as much information as possiable. Human Resources can be reached @ 703-323-3110

For more information please visit The Centers for Disease Control

Don't be apart of the Emergency!

While this BLOG has been provided information about the Flu, we also want to remind Students, Faculty, Staff, and Visitors that Slips, Trips, and Falls are the number one hazard on our campuses.


The chances of you becoming a victim of a slip, trip or fall increases during the Autumn and Winter Seasons due to the wet leaves and winter precipitation.


Prevent your own emergency and watch where your going.

NOVA H1N1 Hotline

In an ongoing effort to provide information to our students,faculty and staff we have established the NOVA H1N1 Hotline. If you don't feel like searching through the website for information on the College's status, tips on preventing flu infection and more, then call 703-764-7393. There is a pre-recorded message that will be updated as the situation changes.

Who should receive the novel H1N1 vaccine? On July 29, 2009, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, an advisory committee to CDC, recommended that the H1N1 flu vaccine be made available first to the following five groups:

Pregnant women
Health care workers and emergency medical responders
People caring for infants under 6 months of age
Children and young adults from 6 months to 24 years
People aged 25 to 64 years with underlying medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes)


Please remember to get your "flu" Shots as reccomended by the Centers for Disease Control

12 Tips to Help Prevent Cold and Flu

1. WASH YOUR HANDS: This is still the best way to prevent colds and flu. Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds. Use “hand sanitzer” when washing facilities are not available.

2. USE A TISSUE INSTEAD OF A HANDKERCHIEF: Wipe or blow your nose and immediately throw the tissue away. Handkerchiefs continually spread germs to your hands and face.
3. DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE: Touching your eyes, nose or mouth is a fast way for germs to get into your body.

4. COUGH AND SNEEZE AWAY FROM OTHERS: Instead of coughing or sneezing into your hands, turn away from others, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or use a tissue.

5. WATCH THAT MOUTH: Avoid placing objects such as pens or pencils into your mouth. Also avoid licking your fingers when eyes, nose or mouth is a fast way for germs to get into your body.

6. TAKE CARE AT WORK/In Classroom: Clean your area and phone often. Wash your hands after using the bathroom, lunchroom, copy/fax machine, and any other space that is used by others. Some germs can survive on objects for hours or a few days.

7. BE AWARE OF COMMUNITY SPACE: Doorknobs, light switches, refrigerator doors, bathroom and kitchen counters, telephones, computers, and remote controls are all places germs can reside.

8. USE HAND SANITIZERS: Keep liquid or gel hand sanitizers or anti-bacterial wipes handy.

9. TEACH YOUR CHILDREN: Children are very susceptible to colds. Teach them to wash their hands often with soap and warm water. Saying the ABCs while washing their hands assures they wash long enough (at least 15 seconds).

10. DON’T SHARE CUPS: Use paper cups in the bathrooms and kitchen.

11. DON’T SHARE FOOD UTENSILES: This may be difficult for most to do at home but it is important so you can not pass it back and forth.

12. USE DISPOSABLE PRODUCTS: Germs can live on towels and sponges for hours so use paper towels in the kitchen and bathrooms or wash bathroom hand towels often. Disinfect sponges by running them through the dishwasher and replace them frequently.

First Confirmed Case of H1N1- NOVA Annandale

Northern Virginia Community College recently received confirmation of its first H1N1 case at the Annandale Campus. The individual attended classes from September 7 -11 but has been ordered by the family’s personal physician to stay home until the symptoms subside.

Although we have yet to experience a high number of confirmed cases of H1N1, we like to remind everyone that we are not immune to an H1N1 outbreak and we encourage everyone to continue to take the appropriate steps as requested by the CDC to stay healthy. We advise students, faculty and staff to take the proper precautions to prevent the spread of germs:

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, we ask that you stay home, notify your supervisor, and contact your healthcare provider. As NOVA continues to monitor this situation closely, we will continue to provide information and updates to ensure a safe campus environment.


Know the flu symptoms. H1N1 symptoms are similar to the seasonal flu: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Diarrhea and vomiting are also possible.

Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).

Ask your health care provider if you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu. If you are at higher risk for flu complications from the H1N1 flu, consider getting the H1N1vaccine when it becomes available.

For information about priority groups for vaccination, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Stay informed. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides current flu information at http://www.flu.gov/.