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SPARK SCL
BUILDING A CULTURE OF PREPAREDNES MANAGEMENT AND FIRE PREVENTION P
At ODU, safety is more than a priority- it’ s a shared responsibility. Every d Prevention programs work behind the scenes to keep the University commu comprised of Jared Hoernig, Jerry Reed, Mark Salmon, and Greg Wooldridg Campus Life and look forward to collaborating with the division to continue
Emergency Management leads comprehensive, tiered planning efforts tha withstand, and recover from disruptive incidents. We guide the developme departmental emergency, business continuity, and special event plans to su team delivers tailored training and exercise programs – from basic emergen Action Plan awareness sessions, Continuity Plan orientations, Incident Comm trainings, and various drills, tabletops, and other preparedness exercises.
BY JARED HOERNIG, DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
When emergencies or largescale events occur, Emergency Management coordinates the response by activating the University’ s Emergency Operations Center, coordinating the Incident Management Team, managing mass notifications, and providing real-time communications support and situational awareness monitoring. We also coordinate the Emergency Management Advisory Committee and Building Emergency Coordinator program, which bring together representatives from across campus to build readiness and relationships. Beyond campus, we actively engage in local, regional, and statewide emergency management committees and maintain strong partnerships with government and community stakeholders to enhance collective preparedness. emerge mana
Through an“ education versus enforcement” mindset, Fire Prevention works proactively to reduce fire risks and enhance life safety in University facilities. This includes inspecting buildings for fire code compliance, ensuring the reliability of life safety systems, and providing expert guidance on fire codes and standards. Our team reviews designs for new buildings and renovations, inspects construction sites, investigates fire code violations and fire incidents, and manages critical safety programs for fire protection systems, AEDs, hot work, and impairments. We deliver training on fire prevention, fire extinguisher use, and evacuation drills, and we host outreach programs like the“ After the Fire” presentation. Fire Prevention also supports special events through pyrotechnic oversight, foodservice safety checks, and gas cylinder inspections— all while building close working relationships with local and state safety partners.