VIMS - Severe Storm Preparedness / Response Information

• From time to time, the Institute experiences severe storms.  The following information is provided to assist VIMS personnel to prepare for storms and safeguard equipment, resources, and personnel:

• Hurricane, Tropical Storm, Nor'easter

• Investigators with experiments or equipment that cannot be shut down (i.e.things that should be plugged into emergency generators) should contact their Department Heads well before the storm. Do NOT call Facilities Management directly. Department Heads will coordinate communicating their department's needs to Facilities Management.
• Everyone should look around and secure or move anything outside that is at risk of blowing away or being flooded. Anything on the piers or immediately along the waterfront is especially vulnerable. Again, it's easier to do the outside work before the rain and wind start.
• Prepare to protect computers and the like that are near windows.
• Announcements, Information, Closings

• For emergency announcements, information and closings, VIMS has available three sources for Institute personnel other than the normal radio and television media. How to access follows:

• Voice Mail
  From outside the Institute, dial 804-684-7100 (VIMS Voice Mail)
• Enter your mailbox number plus # (your extension)
• Enter your personal password plus #
• There will be a broadcast message for you.
• E-Mail - As needed there will be "everyone" e-mail messages giving you the latest information.
• Broadcast Media - Anouncements of closings will be sent to the area's radio and television stations for broadcast
  .
• Local Governmental / Community Information / Resources

• Gloucester County

• Public Information:
• The local radio station, WXGM FM 99.1, broadcasts local storm warnings, emergency announcements, and public service messages, such as emergency shelter information, and road closures.
• Gloucester County emergency information telephone number:   804-693-1100.
• Emergency shelters / evacuation centers The following public schools have been used as emergency shelters:
  
• Achilles Elementary School, located 4 miles down on Guinea Road, Route 216, which intersects Route 17, about 2 miles north of the York River, Coleman Bridge, is also an evacuation center.
• Bethel Elementary School, located off of Route 614 in northern Gloucester County, about 20 miles north of the York River, Coleman Bridge.
• Gloucester High School, located on Short Lane, which intersects Route 17, about 10 miles north of the York River, Coleman Bridge, on the right.
• Page Middle School, located on Route 17, about 7 miles north of the York River,Coleman Bridge,
• No pets are allowed in the centers.

• Contacts: The following departments may be contacted for further information:

• VIMS Safety Office (804-684-7152, 7147)
• VIMS Facilities Management Office (804-684-7096, 7092)

Last Modified: 11/09/2006
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