Hurricane Season Preparedness

Hurricane Surival Guide 2006
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


Weather-related web sites are:

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 has activated the Florida Emergency Information Line (FEIL). Residents needing information regarding a Hurricane will be able to call between 8 a.m. and 12 midnight 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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
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.