(09/17/03) Hurricane Alert

Emergency Preparedness Alert
Hurricane Isabel

Isabel is moving toward the north-northwest near 11 mph. Some increase
in forward speed is expected over the next 24 hours. The center of Isabel
is expected to make landfall in eastern North Carolina during the day
Thursday. However...the precise timing and location of landfall is uncertain...
and conditions will deteriorate over a large area well before the center
reaches the coast. Tropical storm conditions are expected to reach the coastline late tonight.

Maximum sustained winds are near 105 mph...with higher gusts. Isabel is
a category two hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. Little change
in strength is forecast prior to landfall.

There are five strengths of hurricanes. They are categorized by their sustained winds, with Category 1 being the weakest and Category 5 being the most powerful:

Category 5: Catastrophic Winds 156+ mph
Category 4: Extreme Winds 131-155 mph
Category 3: Extensive Winds 111-130 mph
Category 2: Moderate Winds 96-110 mph
Category 1: Minimal Winds 74-95 mph
Tropical Storm: Minor Winds 39-73 mph

For purpose of identification for the various activities described here, the following definitions are established:
A. Hurricane Watch: First warning by the National Weather Service that a hurricane is a definite is normally given 36 hours before the storm is expected to strike. Landfall is uncertain and broad geographic areas area alerted. This is the time for preliminary storm preparation.
B. Hurricane Warning: Normally issued 24 hours before the storm is expected to strike; more accurate landfall is predicted, with narrower geographic boundaries. In the event of a Hurricane Warning, all non-essential personnel will be advised, if possible, to leave the campus. All residential students will be encouraged to evacuate and remaining students will be consolidated following Evacuation Plan and Temporary Housing Assignment Procedures.
C. Hurricane Alert: The strike of Hurricane Force Winds is imminent.

STUDENTS LIVING ON-CAMPUS

Students will receive information pertaining to storm preparations through their respective dorm representatives, and through information posted around campus and in their dorms.

1. On campus residents from the area who desire to go to their homes may do so. Please inform your Dean or your dorm representative so your whereabouts are known.

2. Students should contact their parents prior to the storm to advise them of their location and then again shortly after the storm to inform them of their status. It will be easier for students to contact their parents than for parents to locate students.

3. MEALS: Arrangements regarding meals, locations, and duration of food supplies available will be provided, as storm specifics are determined.

PREPARATION BEFORE A HURRICANE STRIKES

1. All furniture, including beds, should be pulled away from windows. All electronic equipment should be placed off the floor, preferably in a closet.
2. Since floors can get wet, all articles such as shoes, rugs, clothes, bags, suitcases, etc., should be placed on closet shelves or in dresser drawers.
3. Papers, books, etc. should not be left on tops of desks or dressers.

4. Valuables should be placed in lockable closets or drawers and should be kept under lock throughout a hurricane. All doors should be locked when occupants are not in the room or apartment.

5. All students should fill several small containers with water for drinking purposes. Those students who reside in facilities that are equipped with bathtubs are requested to clean the tub and fill it halfway. If the hurricane is a major storm, water supply may be cut off. If this is the case, the water in the tubs will be needed for washing and flushing the toilets.

6. All windows must be closed tightly, and all blinds and curtains closed.

7. Any student who owns a car should insure that the emergency brake is set and that the car is in reverse gear or park. All windows should be closed and the car locked. Be certain to fill the gas tank. Gas pumps cannot work if a power failure exists.

8. Students should provide their own flashlights in case of power failure. Do not use candles or other flammable type lighting under any circumstances; fire is uncontrollable during a hurricane.

9. Students should provide themselves with snack-type food items, such as crackers, cookies, peanuts, etc. On campus food service will be available as long as possible, but students should plan for an emergency by having non-perishable items available. Do not plan to travel off-campus after a storm since transportation may not be possible.

PROCEDURES DURING A HURRICANE

1. It is essential that all students stay indoors throughout the entire hurricane. Residents must not leave their living units until directed to do so by the residence hall staff. During the peak of the storm for maximum protection, it is suggested that students close room or bedroom doors and remain in hallways/and or living rooms.

2. Students should remain away from danger areas, such as the glass windows and doors in the lobby areas of the residence halls or the living rooms of apartments.

3. Do not attempt to open windows or doors to see what is happening outside. Wind currents are especially strong near high-rise buildings.

4. On-campus students should report all accidents, injuries, broken windows, or excessive water to Safety and Security.

5. Telephone calls should be made only in case of emergency.

6. Keep in mind that everything is calm when the eye of the storm passes overhead. Do not venture outside, as the second half of the storm will follow shortly.

7. Students may not use fire stairs to go to an adjacent floor. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO GO OUTSIDE.

8. During the storm, a "state of emergency" exists. As a result, no alcoholic beverages or other substances should be consumed which would impair judgment. . "Hurricane Parties" are only for the movies. Do not drink alcohol, everyone needs to think clearly during a hurricane.

9. Turn off lights and electrical equipment. Unplug equipment and turn of air conditioners.

10. Do not use candles or other flammable lighting if there is a power outage.

Health Center and Pharmacy

The Infirmary will be open and Health Services will be available. For questions, please call 896-1089.

Please refer additional questions to Safety and Security.

Additional information will be supplied to students in the residence halls by the residence hall designees as specifics of a storm situation are determined.

The College is not responsible for damages to, or for loss of, personal property as a result of a hurricane.

If everyone will remain calm, stay inside and observe all instructions and precautions, there is reduced danger.