Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. With the seasonal peak upon us (mid-August through late October), now is a good time to make sure you and your family are prepared.

AT HOME

  • Get insured. Most property insurance policies do not cover flood losses. Purchase flood insurance at floodsmart.gov. Remember that new policies take 30 days to go into effect.
  • Get your stuff together. Visit 5yz.dos5.net/emergency or www.vaemergency.gov/prepare/supply-kit/ for recommended lists of emergency supplies.
  • Get your route ready—Know Your Zone. Visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management's Evacuation Zone lookup tool to find your evacuation zone by address. Check out the Virginia Hurricane Evacuation Guide for information on creating an evacuation plan.
  • Get alerts. Register for ODU Alerts at 5yz.dos5.net/alerts. Also consider signing up for notifications from the locality where you live; for Norfolk Alert, register HERE.
  • Get informed. ODU only uses official forecast information from the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center when making decisions about storm preparedness and response. Decisions about University operations are communicated on ODU's social media platforms, via ODU Alerts, and at 5yz.dos5.net.
  • Get answers. For guidance and assistance, contact the Office of Emergency Management at 757-683-5116 or oem@dos5.net.

AT WORK

  • Review the ODU Crisis and Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) Basic Plan, your building Emergency Action Plan and departmental Continuity Plan, as well as applicable policies, SOPs, and checklists. Encourage your peers to do the same. More information on this can be found at the ODU Emergency Management website.
  • Check position orders of succession and verify that staff have an appropriate level of cross-training. Contact oem@dos5.net with any questions.
  • Update contact lists for department staff and key stakeholders.
  • Assemble a small go-kit that contains the above materials in hard copy and on a flash drive. Consider adding some basic office supplies, an external battery charger, and spare phone charging cable.
  • Supervisors please take this opportunity to remind staff of designated or essential personnel roles and responsibilities that may be activated in the event of an emergency. This should also include a reminder that performing these roles and responsibilities in an emergency are a condition of employment.
  • All designated or essential staff should consider any need to proactively inform supervisors of potential challenges or work/life balance needs at this time.
  • All designated or essential staff should consider any need to proactively consult with HR benefits services regarding personal/family medical needs at this time.