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 the University
- Monitor local media and University website, www.sc.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 and 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 University 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
- When possible, move equipment and other valuable items to the interior areas of the building and away from windows
- Tag moved equipment with department contact information for easy identification and retrieval
- 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
- Place telephone in desk drawer if the cord is long enough; do not unplug telephone
- Take home personal possessions; the University is not responsible for damaged personal items
- Secure windows and close blinds
- Change voicemail and automatic e-mail reply to indicate University closure
- Close and lock all doors, including interior office doors, before leaving