Hurricanes
A hurricane is a tropical storm with winds that have reached a constant speed of 74 miles per hour or more. The eye of a storm is usually 20-30 miles wide and may extend over 400 miles. The dangers of a storm include torrential rains, high winds and storm surges.
Before Leaving Campus
If asked to evacuate campus, use the checklist below.
- Turn off and unplug electrical equipment.
- Move computers/fax machines/printers from rooms with exterior windows.
- Back up essential data files and documents.
- Secure or remove back-up files.
- Secure proprietary information.
- Clear desk surfaces.
- Secure or remove personal items.
- Cover your computer with plastic.
- Close blinds.
- Assist employees with disabilities, if able and willing.
- Vacate offices, closing and locking all doors.
Preparing to Stay
You will need the following supplies during a hurricane.- Emergency Kit
- 3-day supply of non-perishable emergency food
- 3-day supply of water
- Medication
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Battery Pack for Phone
- Weather radio
During & After the Storm
- If staying, take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level during the storm. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can.
- Stay away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
- Avoid flood waters. You don’t know what might be in the water.
- Watch for fallen objects in the road, downed electrical wires, and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks that might collapse.
- Stay out of and away from any building if you smell gas.
- Never use a portable generator inside your home or garage.
- Use battery-powered flashlights. Do not use candles.
For more information, refer to the National Weather Service at weather.gov.