CHAPTER EIGHT: CAMPUS POLICE AND SAFETY

SECTION FIVE

HURRICANE RESPONSE

I. Hurricane Terminology:

A. Advisory: Weather advisory message issued by the National Hurricane Center concerning tropical storms and hurricanes. An advisory states details relative to the location, intensity, and direction of travel and speed of a tropical storm or hurricane.

B. Bulletin: A weather bulletin is a public release from the National Hurricane Center during periods between advisories, which announce the latest details on the tropical storm or hurricane.

C. Evacuation Notice: There are two forms of evacuation notices; voluntary and mandatory. The voluntary notice is usually issued by the Emergency Operations Center. The notice recommends and encourages persons living in the affected area to evacuate and move to areas of safety. The governing body issues the mandatory evacuation notice, which, in most cases, is the County Commission. State law requires that persons in the mandatory evacuation area comply with the notice once given. Failure to comply could result in arrest; however, most law enforcement agencies will not arrest persons refusing to comply. They will instead take the names, ages, and sex of those remaining and the names, addresses and phone numbers of next of kin to aid in identification and notification after the passage of the storm.

D. Hurricane: A violent storm originating over tropical waters with winds near its center reaching 74 mph and higher. In size, the storm may range from 50 to 1,000 miles in diameter.

E. Hurricane Classification:

CATEGORY	WIND VELOCITY	STORM SURGE	STORM STRENGTH
CLASS 1	74-95 mph	4 - 5 feet	Minimal
CLASS 2	96-110 mph	6 - 8 feet	Moderate
CLASS 3	111-130 mph	9 - 12 feet	Extensive
CLASS 4	131-155 mph	13 - 18 feet	Extreme
CLASS 5	over 155 mph	over 18 feet	Catastrophic

F. Hurricane Watch: An advance statement issued by the National Hurricane Center indicating that a hurricane is near and that attention should be given to subsequent advisories. It implies the possibility of dangerous conditions within 24 to 48 hours. Precautionary action should be taken in case hurricane warnings are forthcoming.

G. Hurricane Warning: A warning indicates that hurricane winds of 74 mph (64 knots) and higher, or a combination of dangerously high water and rough seas are expected at a specified coastal area. When a hurricane warning is announced, hurricane conditions are considered imminent and may begin immediately or at least within the next 12 to 24 hours. When a warning is announced, it is of utmost importance that all precautionary measures and actions be instituted for the protection of life and property.

H. Mitigation: Mitigation is a term used by insurance companies to describe actions taken by a property owner to lessen, or mitigate, the damage from a tropical storm or hurricane. Depending on the insurance company, mitigation may include; the shuttering of the dwelling, additional rafter tie downs, or installation of garage doors meeting Metro-Dade standards. Please check with your insurance company of details regarding their mitigation policy.

I. Shelter, Emergency: An emergency shelter is one that has been designated, approved and staffed by the American Red Cross. Most approved shelters are located in schools through out the area and open based upon the category of the storm. See Annex A for shelter listing in Charlotte, Collier and Lee counties.

J. Shelter, Of Last Refuge: This is any structure designated by the Emergency Operations Center that can be used as a "last refuge" by those persons in an evacuation area or who are caught in the storm’s path. These shelters are not staffed by the Red Cross and should not be used as a shelter except when there is no other place of safety.

K. Shelter, Special Needs: A special needs shelter is for those residents who have some special medical need, such as oxygen dependency, which requires continuous monitoring or supervision. A special needs shelter requires prior registration with the County through a physician or through the Emergency Medical Service.

L. Storm Surge: Is the increase in the water level due to the action of wind on the ocean surface and the low barometric pressure of the storm system. Area hurricane maps are usually color coded to reflect the extent of the storm surge by storm category.

M. Tropical Storm: Is a warm core tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind is in the range of 39 to 73 mph (34 - 63 knots) inclusive.

N. Tropical Storm Watch: Is an announcement for specific areas that a tropical storm or forecast of tropical storms conditions poses a possible threat to coastal areas generally within 36 hours. A tropical storm watch will normally be issued if the system is forecast to attain hurricane strength.

O. Tropical Storm Warning: A warning is issued when tropical storm conditions, including sustained winds in the range of 39 to 73 mph, are expected in a specified coastal area within 24 hours or less.

P. Vertical Relocation (Evacuation): Is the concept of sheltering persons threatened by flooding from a tropical storm or hurricane in substantially constructed high-rise buildings. Vertical relocation, as with shelters of last refuge, should only be used when storm conditions prevent the evacuation to designated shelters. If you are a resident of a condominium or apartment complex, please consult with your association or manager regarding vertical relocation.

II. Preparation tips for personal safety and protection of property: The preparation for personal safety and property protection should be accomplished in two phases. Phase One is pre-season planning and preparation, while Phase Two is pre-storm planning and preparation.

A. Phase One: Pre-season: Hurricane season is June 1st through November 30th of each year. Prior to the onset of hurricane season, you should accomplish the following:

1. If you live in an area that is susceptible to flooding, such as a barrier island or along a river, creek, or saltwater canal, make plans for the possible evacuation of your home. Your plan should include, what emergency supplies you will need and who is responsible for obtaining them, who will the secure the home and in what manner will it be secured, under what conditions you will evacuate, the nearest shelter; the best evacuation route, and what you will take with you.

2. Inspect your home. Look for such things as loose or missing shingles, damaged window or door hardware (window cranks, door locks, etc.), and trees that need trimming due to closeness to the home or power lines. Check with your insurance agent regarding mitigation.

3. Identify all of your important papers (birth certificates, deeds, titles, etc.) and either place them in a safety deposit box, or purchase a water and fire proof container to store them.

4. Identify valuable property and record any serial numbers. A video camera is useful in recording items such as jewelry, which doesn’t have serial numbers. Any list or recording of property should be placed with your other important papers.

5. Assemble an emergency kit. The kit should contain, but is not limited to the following items:

Flashlight	Battery Operated AM/FM Radio	Spare Batteries
Spare Batteries	First Aid Kit	Nonperishable food items
Eating utensils	Manual can opener	Mosquito/Insect Repellent
Water	Prescription Medicine	Infant supplies
Candles	Matches	Toys and games

 

B. Phase Two: Pre-storm: Phase Two planning should commence upon the issuance of either a Tropical Storm Warning or a Hurricane Watch. During this phase you will be faced with the decision to stay at home or evacuate. In either event, you will need to take the following precautions:

1. General Home Preparation:

(a) Bring in all items that are loose on or around the exterior of your home (trashcans, lawn chairs, and potted plants).

(b) Clean up loose horticultural debris (palm fronds, branches) and ask your disposal company to come and collect. NOTE: Some companies/communities will do this automatically.

(c) If you own a pool, lower the water levels about one foot and add extra chlorine. Turn off the electricity to the pump/filter and attempt to cover it.

(d) Shutter all windows and sliding glass doors if at all possible. Taping will help prevent some splintering of the glass but will not prevent objects from smashing through.

(e) If you are leaving a vehicle in the garage, back the vehicle up against the garage door.

2. If you evacuate your home you should:

(a) Turn off the water supply and air conditioner.

(b) Disconnect all electrical appliances except food storage.

(c) Turn the refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings.

(d) Shut off all gas appliances.

(e) Lock all doors and windows.

3. If you are staying home you should:

(a) Prepare an emergency water supply. Store water in clean airtight containers. Sterilize and fill bathtubs and empty jugs with water.

(b) Have on hand such items as canned heat (Sterno), candles, matches, portable clock, rope, plastic sheeting, etc.

4. Boat Preparation:

(a) If your boat is moored, have it removed from the water, if at all possible, and stored on a trailer. Deflate the trailer tires and tie the boat securely to the trailer.

(b) If your boat can not be removed from the water, you should either move the boat to protected anchorage, or tie it down securely.

(c) Remove all electronics and personal items.

5. Pets:

(a) If you are remaining at your home, keep enough water and food on hand for your pet (a one to two week supply should suffice).

(b) Pets are not permitted in shelters. If you are evacuating, arrange for kenneling and ensure that they are properly identified.

(c) Horses should be released to pasture. Make sure that the animal is properly identified.

(d) Check with your pet’s veterinarian or your county’s animal control organization for further suggestions.

6. If you evacuate: Generally, you should do the following when you evacuate:

(a) Eat something before you leave home.

(b) Bring personal hygiene items (soap, wash cloths, toothbrush and paste, deodorant, first aid kit, pain relievers, antacid, etc.)

(c) Bring a change of clothing, bedding, nonperishable food, flashlight, batteries, portable AM/FM radio, eating utensils, manual can-opener, insect repellent, cash, etc.

(d) Plan on bringing a minimum of ½ gallon of water per day per person.

(e) Plan enough supplies to last each family member five days.

(f) Take important papers with you (insurance policies, property inventory, and proof of residence).

(g) If you have children, you should take the following with you to a shelter:

(1) A supply of baby food, formula, or other special dietary foods, preferably items that do not require refrigeration;

(2) Baby equipment (bedding, diapers, birth certificates, etc.);

(3) Small toys or hobby materials; and

(4) Reading and drawing supplies.

(h) If anyone in your family is ill or disabled, you should take the following with you to a shelter:

(1) All prescriptions, medications, special medical devices and a thermometer;

(2) Certification of emergency medical needs;

(3) Eyeglasses and hearing aids (Spare pair of glasses and extra batteries for hearing aids); and

(4) Extra pillows and bedding for family members.

III. Pre and Post-storm duties and responsibilities of University Departments

A. College Deans

1. Pre-season:

(a). Establish internal emergency notification procedures.

2. Pre-storm:

(a) Designate those employees deemed essential to the operation of the university.

(b) Take steps to safeguard equipment and materials.

(c) Back up all data sources and send to a safe location.

3. Post-storm:

(a) Inspect all areas of responsibility for safety hazards.

(b) Restore services.

B. Communications, Director of:

1. Pre-storm:

(a) Maintain liaison with local media organizations.

(b) Produce media releases concerning re-scheduling of classes or cancellations.

(c) With Physical Plant, obtain additional cellular phones for university use.

2. Post-storm:

(a) Release information to the media concerning damage to the university, re-start of classes, and other storm related information.

C. Computer Services:

1. Pre-storm:

(a) Arrange for the transfer of all computer data to a safe location (electronic, disc, tape, etc.)

(b) Issue directives to university faculty and staff regarding the safe storage of computers including software and hardware.

2. Post-storm:

(a) Check all computers and related equipment for damage and serviceability.

(b) With Student Services, reactivate the Student Information System.

D. Controller’s Office:

1. Pre-storm:

(a) In conjunction with University Relations, arrange to have cash on hand to pay for storm related expenses.

(b) Backup all financial records and, in conjunction with Computer Services, send records to a safe location.

(c) Make arrangements to have a small check writer and a supply of checks available for emergency purchases.

2. Post-storm:

(a) Monitor recovery expenses by collecting necessary information and prepare FEMA forms.

(b) If normal payroll services are not available, make arrangements for emergency distribution of payroll reports and checks.

E. Human Resources:

1. Pre-storm:

(a) In March or April of each year, survey employees regarding their emergency plans (i.e., staying at home, evacuating) and emergency contact numbers. Employees who are designated, as essential personnel should have emergency medical information (blood types, allergies, etc.) collected as well.

(b) Secure personnel records against loss or damage.

2. Post-storm:

(a) Make necessary emergency contacts with employees or next-of-kin.

(b) Arrange for stress debriefing or counseling of employees if necessary.

(c) In conjunction with University Relations, work with local banks/lenders to assist employees in personal property recovery efforts.

F. Instructional Technology

1. Pre-season:

(a) In conjunction with the Television and Radio stations, formulate plans for the continued operation of both in the event of a hurricane.

2. Pre-storm:

(a) In conjunction with the Television and Radio stations, designate those employees considered essential to the operation of both facilities.

(b) Take all necessary steps to safeguard equipment.

(c) All data should be backed up and sent to a safe location.

3. Post-storm:

(a) In conjunction with Physical Plant, inspect all structures for safety hazards.

(b) Restore data services.

(c) Restore television and radio services.

G. Library Services

1. Pre-storm:

(a) Back up all data files and send files to a safe location.

(b) Secure computer hardware according to directive issued by Computer Services.

(c) Take measures to protect library resources against water damage.

2. Post-storm:

(a) Restore data systems.

(b) Assess damages to resources and replace if necessary.

H. Physical Plant:

1. Pre-storm:

(a) Secure all loose items (trashcans, ashtrays, etc.).

(b) Collect and dispose of all debris (palm fronds, tree limbs, construction material, etc.).

(c) Check emergency power systems.

(d) Secure or store all carts, ATVs, tractors, etc.

(e) Secure buildings against wind and flooding.

(f) If possible, lower the level of retention ponds.

(g) In conjunction with the Director of Communications, arrange for emergency telephonic communications (cellular phones).

2. Post-storm:

(a) Work with FPL to restore power.

(b) Work with Gulf Utilities to restore water and sewage service.

(c) Secure any damaged structure against further damage (boarding windows, etc.)

(d) With Police and Safety, remove debris from access roads on campus. Assist Lee County DOT in clearing at least one north and south bound lane on Griffin Parkway.

(e) With Purchasing and Controller’s Office, arrange for the repair of damaged structures.

I. Police and Safety:

1. Pre-season:

(a) In March and April of each year, offer personal safety seminars for students, faculty and staff.

(b) Promulgate informational articles for student newsletter regarding storm preparation.

(c) Insure mutual aid agreements are in place and valid.

(d) In conjunction with Physical Plant, conduct safety inspection of the university grounds and buildings.

2. Pre-storm:

(a) Conduct safety inspection of grounds and buildings paying particular attention to loose items and debris.

(b) Assist Physical Plant in securing loose articles and debris.

(c) With Student Services, activate Wellness Center as a shelter for essential personnel and as Command Post for university staff.

(d) With Purchasing, arrange for the purchase of emergency supplies (food, water, ice, fuel, sanitation needs, cots, etc.).

(e) Equip all university vehicles with shovels, chains or cables, chain saws, fix-a-flat or similar product, first aid kits, warning devices (flares) and disposable blankets.

(f) Act as liaison with Emergency Management of Lee County to relay information to the Executive Council.

(g) Maintain liaison with EOC during the storm.

(h) Evacuate student housing if so directed by the President.

(i) Staff shelters and Command Post.

3. Post-storm:

(a) Assist Physical Plant in clearing access roads and one lane both north and south bound on Griffin Parkway.

(b) Conduct a safety check of university grounds and buildings for damage and/or dangerous conditions. Report damages to Physical plant and cordon off affected areas.

(c) Staff emergency message center for essential personnel reporting for duty.

(d) If the university is used as a staging area, provide site security for the duration of the recovery effort.

J. Purchasing:

1. Pre-storm:

(a) Arrange for emergency purchase orders for food, ice, water, portable toilets, sanitation supplies, fuel, etc.

2. Post-storm:

(a) Arrange purchase orders for emergency shelters, temporary structures, construction supplies (plywood, lumber, plastic sheeting, etc.), generators, and power and hand tools.

K. Student Services:

1. Pre-storm:

(a) Set up Wellness Center for use as shelter and Command Post.

(b) With Computer Services, arrange for the protection of the Student Information System equipment and program data.

(c) Arrange with a local Red Cross affiliated shelter to house evacuated students during the storm.

(d) Arrange for the transportation of student from the campus to the shelter.

(e) Arrange for sufficient supplies of food and water for all students and accompanying staff members during the sheltering period.

2. Post-storm:

(a) With Computer Services, restore the Student Information System.

(b) With Plant Operations and Maintenance, inspect student housing for damage and unsafe conditions.

(c) Arrange for the repair of any damaged housing.

(d) Arrange for the temporary housing of students whose residence is damaged and is otherwise not available for occupancy.

© FGCU 1998 Administrative Services. This is an official FGCU web page.
Florida Gulf Coast University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution. Effective Date: 04/01/98
Revised Date: 04/01/98
Contact: bharris@fgcu.edu