Crisis & Emergency Communication Center

"Emergency Alert Notification System"

This communication system is designed to broadcast audible safety sirens and live or recorded voice alerts to the campus community as quickly as possible during times of extreme circumstances such as a tornado or police emergency affecting campus. Read more

Types of Emergencies

Virginia's geographical diversity, from mountains to shoreline, means that the Commonwealth is open to a variety of natural disasters, ranging from severe thunderstorms to winter storms, from hurricanes to geological hazards like landslides. In addition, we must prepare for manmade threats, such as radiological and hazmat incidents and terrorist incidents.

• Blackouts
• Chemical & HazMat Events  
• Droughts
• Floods
• Geologic Events  
• Heat-Related Emergencies
• Hurricanes
• Public Health Threats
• Radiological Events
• Terrorism
• Thunderstorms
• Wildfires
• Winter Weather 

 

 

Earthquake Safety

Earthquakes are one of the most common, unpredictable occurrences on Earth. There is always the chance of an earthquake, but there is no way of predicting or giving any warning to when one may occur. We may not feel shaking all of the time because some earthquakes can only be felt by sensitive instruments. Other times, earthquakes can be very dangerous and occur in highly populated areas placing many people at risk. Homes and buildings can be severely damaged, and the ground can literally split apart.

Planning and proper responses are crucial to protecting yourself and your family before and after an earthquake. While you may think the earthquake has stopped, there is always the potential for aftershocks. Aftershocks can be severe and happen within the first hour after the main shock. The rate of aftershocks decreases quickly but can be felt up to weeks or even months after a large earthquake occurrence. The following are tips covering situations in which you may find yourself when an earthquake strikes. Read more