Hurricane Preparedness

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 Benedict College.  Monitor local media and College website, benedict.edu, for updates.

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 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
• 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 College is not responsible for damaged personal items
• Secure windows and close blinds
• Change voicemail and automatic e-mail reply to indicate College closure
• Close and lock all doors, including interior office doors, before leaving