Hurricane / Blizzards

In the event of natural disasters such as hurricanes, blizzards, tornados and floods the essential criteria is preparedness. The more warning of a storm, the better prepared the college community will be to deal with the situation.

Stage One: Hurricane /Blizzard Watch

• The EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (ERT) reports to the Student Center Conference Room (S-327) to assess the storm, and receive updated information from all reliable sources.

• The campus community is notified via global e-mail, telephone broadcast, and/or notices posted throughout campus, including the residence halls.

• Residents receive instruction from housing staff about hurricane/blizzard procedures.

• According to ERT procedures, supplies will be checked and replenished.

Stage Two: Hurricane /Blizzard Warning

• ERT will check food and water supplies and stock up as necessary.

• Facilities Department will remove all movable objects from the grounds.

• Everyone who has a medical condition is personally responsible to have an adequate supply of required medications, such as insulin, inhalers, etc., to last through an anticipated storm.

• An alcohol ban will go into effect for the entire college community.

• Health Service personnel will move medical supplies to pre-determined locations.

• All buildings will be locked down with the exception of Residence Halls and the Gym, which might be needed for shelter.

• All non-essential personnel will be directed to leave campus.

• Students will be encouraged to contact their families to indicate their plans.

Stage Three: Six Hours Prior to the onset of Hurricane/Blizzard

• Resident students who choose to remain on campus must stay in the halls. Those who leave must notify the Resident Directors of their planned destination. Students who leave will be asked to sign a release accepting personal responsibility for their safety.

• Dining Hall hours will be announced. Weather conditions may effect hours, location and menu.

• Upon notification, residents living on the top floors of the halls and the apartments will be moved to the interior hallways or to lower floors to avoid potential injury caused by broken windows in the event of a hurricane.

• Elevators will be de-activated after all physically impaired individuals are relocated to the ground level floor.

Stage Four: Onset of Hurricane/Blizzard

• Normal operations of the college will be suspended until emergency passes.

Stage Five: Aftermath of Hurricane/Blizzard

• After the emergency is over, an assessment of injuries and property will be conducted.

• The PRESIDENT will be immediately advised of campus conditions.

• The PRESIDENT will give the “All Clear” signal to ERT

• Department Managers will be notified, and normal operations of the college will resume.