Computer Science Department News

ODU will test its outdoor siren at 9:45am on Tuesday March 20 as part of a tornado drill conducted in conjuction with the Commonwealth of Virginia's Tornado Preparedness Day.

When the drill begins, the siren system will emit several high-pitched tones, followed by a verbal message that the alarm is signaling a test of the system. Email and text messages indicating that a tornado drill is underway will also be sent. After a short period of time, an all-clear signal and message will be sent.

During the drill, employees are encouraged to review their office’s weather emergency plans and even use the opportunity to enact them. Classes should continue as scheduled and not take any action during the drill. However, faculty are encouraged to note to students that a drill is in progress and advise them of what steps should be taken in a real tornado.

In a real tornado emergency, students, faculty, staff and visitors should seek shelter in a windowless interior room (closet, bathroom, interior hall) on the lowest level of a building (a basement, for those buildings that have one). If in a stairwell, get to the lowest floor and shelter under the stairs if possible. All members of the campus community are encouraged to review tornado preparedness plans at www.vaemergency.com and terms associated with tornado preparedness. A tornado watch means that tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area, and individuals should be prepared to act quickly if a warning is issues. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar and individuals should immediately go to an interior room on the lowest level of the workplace or residence.

ODU’s Outdoor Alert System is designed to provide emergency information to individuals who are out of doors. While the siren or audible message may be heard inside buildings, it is not designed to alert individuals inside buildings. In a real emergency, the university would use its ODU Alerts system of emails, text messages and phone calls, in conjunction with the outdoor alert system, to ensure campus notification. ODU community members can sign up for ODU Alerts at www.odu.edu/alerts.

For more information about the tornado drill, call the ODU Police Department at 683-4003.