Update on Hurricane Irene and Effects on ODU Community
Due to the impending hurricane and localities' evacuation orders for some areas of the region, Old Dominion University will now close at noon Friday, Aug. 26.
Essential personnel are required to report to work, as directed by their supervisor. If you are uncertain of your status, you should check with your supervisor immediately.
Please refer to the additional information below regarding additional precautions and tips. Old Dominion University cares deeply about the well-being of its community and wishes for everyone's safety through the storm.
SAFETY REMINDERS AND PRECAUTIONS:
Before leaving Friday, faculty and staff should secure their office windows and doors and follow the instructions provided via email by Asst. VP Rusty Waterfield regarding technology.
Parking garages C and E are available for use by students, faculty, staff and local residents wishing to move their vehicles to higher ground (see parking map here). You can begin placing your vehicle in these garages at 6 p.m. Friday. The garages will be locked down during the storm and not reopened until officials have been able to verify the facility is safe after the storm. University vehicles, including golf carts, trailers, small boats, etc., may be stored in garage B.
Once the storm passes, officials will make a determination about whether the university will reopen Monday. The ability to open the residence halls and the university as a whole will depend entirely on the condition of the campus, area roads, bridges and tunnels, and other infrastructures.
Once the storm passes and university officials have been able to survey the entire campus, an announcement will be made about the university's status via the ODU web site, email, ODU Alerts system, local television stations WTKR-3, WAVY-10 and WVEC-13, and radio station WHRV-FM 89.5. No one should attempt to return to the campus until you receive an update that specifically states that you may do so.
Even if the university reopens Monday, all academic classes at all locations are cancelled Monday. If the campus can open Monday, the day will be used to resume and complete the check-in and move-in process for the university's residence halls.
For those staying in the region during the storm, please take precautionary measures to help ensure your safety.
Travel early. Amtrak has already cancelled train service in the South for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Additionally, once winds reach 45 miles per hour, VDOT will close the Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Roads and Monitor-Merrimac Bridge Tunnels, and the James River Bridge. The Midtown and Downtown Tunnels may also close earlier.
Make an emergency supply kit with at least 3 days of non-perishable food that can be eaten without cooking, water and other items you need on a daily basis.
If you have friends, roommates or a neighbor who lives alone or far from the campus, please consider inviting them to spend a few days with you.
Put safety first! If you become concerned about your safety, go to one of the city's emergency shelters. The closest shelter to the ODU campus is Maury High School in Ghent. You can find the full list here.
Communicate your sheltering plans with your friends and family. Cell phones and landline phones may not work during and after the storm, so it is important to let loved ones know in advance where you will be and that you are safe.
Prepare for loss of power. Electrical power may be out for several hours to several days. Have flashlights and a battery-powered radio available.
Fill your car with gas.
Have cash on hand. Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods.
Stay informed about the region through local media and localities' emergency alert systems. You can sign up for NorfolkAlerts here.
You can find a full list of preparations, as well as what to do after the storm, from the Red Cross here.
Be safe!