Source: American Red Cross, Tallahassee Chapter
|
In the event of the presence of any active storm systems (storms, hurricanes) that threaten the Florida panhandle, the university posts information on the operational status of the main Tallahassee campus on its main web page. You can also call (850) 644-INFO or listen to WFSU radio at 88.9 FM for this information.
This University "Storm or Hurricane" web page is updated several times a day to provide information on whether classes will be held, i.e., on university closure. University policies regarding absences because of a storm or hurricane, as well as other useful information such as plans for housing, food service, and student activities will also be posted. |
For information on the hurricane: the Emergency Information Hotline toll-free number is:
1-800-342-3557.
In case of a TRUE emergency,
Call 911.
You may then call, the International Center Emergency Cell number: 339-3744 for additional emergency hurricane-related advice/support.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS WALLET-SIZED CARD WITH EMERGENCY NUMBERS |
This page also provides links to the FSU police, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement websites. One useful link is http://www.eoconline.org/EM_Live/roadstat.nsf. This website provides information on road closures, which is particularly helpful if there are mandatory evacuation orders in place.
Some useful websites on what you need to do to prepare for a hurricane are listed below. These sites have thorough, detailed information on what to do before, during and after the storm. The American Red Cross' 2006 Hurricane Survival Guide (click on the picture on the left), is an excellent resource. Please print this out for your use so that you have a printed copy available. In the event of a disaster, it is very likely that there will be power outages which will prevent you from getting this information from the media or from the Internet.
|
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS TIPS
|
If you need to evacuate your area and seek shelter elsewhere, call the American Red Cross Tallahassee chapter first at 850/878-6080.
In the event that you have a true emergency, call 911, then please inform the International Center staff so that we can offer additional advice or support, if at all possible. International Center Emergency Cell number: 339-3744.
Also, "The State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee operates the Florida Emergency Information Line (FEIL). Residents needing information regarding a Storm or Hurricane will be able to call between 8 a.m. and 10 pm eastern time. The toll-free number is: 1-800-342-3557 " (from www.floridadisaster.org). Additionally, please note that there are a few things to look out for, particularly in the Tallahassee area.
- Since Tallahassee is about 60% tree canopy, depending on the severity of wind gusts, do watch out for falling limbs from trees and trees being uprooted or felled by the storm.
- Falling limbs/trees may likely cause power outages as well, so be prepared with flashlights, batteries and candles.
- Make sure you use candles safely. Standing them in a pan of water may help decrease the likelihood of accidental fires.
- Store water -- 2 gallons per person per day -- as well as non-perishable foods like canned goods that do not require cooking (and a manual can opener).
- Make sure you have prescription medication (at least 2 weeks worth).
- Board up windows or at least stay away from windows as hurricane winds can pick up large objects and turn them into projectiles. Various sources on the Internet will tell you to tape up windows to minimize the chances of injury from glass shards should an object get thrown by high winds through your window. Other sources state that this does not help in any way. Use your best judgment.
- Unplug major appliances as well as your computer (electrical and cable or phone connection), especially as a thunderstorm approaches.
- There may also be flooding . Do not try to cross or drive through a flooded street. Even 6 inches of fast-moving water or 2 feet of slow-moving water can sweep your car away. Many deaths from hurricanes are due to flooding, albeit mostly near the coast where storm surges occur. There is also the danger of electrocution.
- If you live in a flood-prone area, stay with a friend. See flood map at: http://tlcgis6.co.leon.fl.us/website/NatFeatures_SDE/viewer.htm
- Some storm systems may also spawn tornadoes. Stay in a room without windows (such as a bathroom) if a tornado warning is issued.
- Stay tuned to the news through television or radio. A battery-powered (weather) radio is optional but helpful, especially in the event of a power outage.
- If you can avoid leaving your house, stay at home. Do not drive around unless absolutely necessary.
- Keep important documents - immigration and otherwise -safe. Putting them in a zip lock bag is a good idea. Double bagging them to keep them dry is even better.
- Fill up your vehicle with gas (gas stations may be closed after a storm), and check oil, water, windshield wiper fluid and tires.
- Get cash (ATMs and credit card readers might be offline)
- Keep your cell phone charged.
- Prepare an emergency plan.
- Secure or bring into your house any loose items around your house.
- Double plastic bag your textbooks and notebooks to keep them dry and save them. Same with your computer equipment, any other valuable electronic equipment and musical instruments.
- Keep your bath tub filled with water (for flushing the toilet).
- Keep sturdy shoes with you at all times and wear them--don't go barefoot.
- Wash all your clothes and get everything clean because you might not be able to wash them again for a while.
We strongly encourage you to prepare for a hurricane/storm well in advance, not only for your own safety and that of your family, but also to help keep roads clear and emergency needs to a minimum. The Florida emergency response team will be very busy responding to a lot of people in need of assistance. There is absolutely no need to panic, but please do make advance preparations.
Have a very safe hurricane season.
Weather-related web sites are:
|
