Emergency Procedures: HURRICANE

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Emergency Procedures: HURRICANE

Definitions

Tropical Storm Watch - Issued by the National Weather Service when winds of 39 to 73 mph are possible in the area within the next 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Warning - Issued by the National Weather Service when winds of 39 to 73 mph are expected in the area within the next 36 hours.

Hurricane Watch - Issued by the National Weather Service when winds of 74 mph or greater are possible within the next 48 hours.

Hurricane Warning - Issued by the National Weather Service when winds of 74 mph or greater are expected in the area within the next 36 hours.

General Tips

  • Follow instructions given by Southern Union.
  • Monitor local media and college website at www.suscc.edu for closings/delays.

Sheltering in Place

  • Locate or create an emergency kit to include:
  • Bottled water (have enough to last you a few days)
  • Flashlights; Battery-operated radio or television; Extra batteries
  • Canned food and can opener; Dry food (bread, peanut butter, crackers, etc.)
  • Blankets and pillows
  • Cash
  • Battery and car charger for cell phone
  • Secure your area by closing all windows, window shades, blinds, or curtains.
  • Close all interior doors and close/secure/brace all exterior doors.
  • Find shelter in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level.
  • Stay away from all windows and glass doors.
  • Lie on the floor under a table or some other sturdy object.
  • Turn off ALL utilities when instructed to do so, otherwise turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coolest setting and shut the door.

  • Keep a supply of water for sanitary purposes; fill the bathtub or other large containers with water.

Evacuate Under the Following Conditions:

  • Directed by local or college authorities to do so
  • If you live in a mobile home or unsafe temporary structure
  • If you live in a high-rise building
  • If you live on the coast, floodplain, inland waterway or near a river
  • If you feel you are in danger

Office Preparations

  • Unplug, cover, and secure vulnerable equipment with plastic.
  • In areas subject to flooding, relocate equipment and other valuable items to a higher floor or elevate.
  • Remove or secure equipment from outdoor and rooftop locations.
  • Clear refrigerators and freezers of items that could spoil if power is lost, but leave appliance plugged in.
  • Place important records and files in cabinets and cover with plastic.
  • Close and latch (or secure with tape if necessary) filing cabinets and cupboards.
  • Back up electronic data and store in multiple locations.
  • Clear desktops, tables, and exposed horizontal surfaces of materials that could be damaged.
  • Take home personal possessions; the college is not responsible for damaged personal items.
  • Secure windows and close blinds.
  • Close and lock all doors, including interior office doors, before leaving.