Emergency Response Plans
Residence Life Plans - Hurrican response plan

 

Annex: Hurricane Response Plan

Department: Residence Life

Departmental Emergency Contact: Campus Police

 

A. Purpose:
The purpose of this plan is to establish the policy and procedures to be followed in the event of a hurricane watch or hurricane warning threatening the Winthrop Campus.

B. Priorities:

In the event of a hurricane watch, the Residence Life Staff will prepare for a possible hurricane warning.

In the event of a hurricane warning, the Residence Life Staff will direct students to prepare for the possibility of a hurricane striking the campus.

C. Expectations for Employees and Students:

 

In the event of a hurricane watch the Residence Life Staff will:

  1. Gather radios, keys, and flashlights.
  2. Activate the Residence Life “Crisis Communication Plan”.
  3. Post signs in the residence hall lobby and on floors informing students of the tornado watch.
  4. Remain alert to changing weather conditions.
  5. Respond according to the information provided by Campus Police, the ALERTUS Emergency System and the Instant Messaging System

    
In the event of a hurricane warning the Residence Life Staff will instruct students to:

  1. Move all furniture, including beds, away from windows.  Electrical appliances should be off the floor, preferably in a closet.
  2. All loose objects should be placed in drawers or closets.
  3. Close all windows tightly, raise blinds and close all curtains or drapes.
  4. Those students, who reside in residence halls that have bathtubs, are requested to clean the tub and fill it half full of water. The water in the tubs may be needed for washing and flushing toilets if the water supply is cut off.  Fill smaller containers with water for drinking purposes.
  5. Await further orders from Campus Police, the ALERTUS Emergency System and the Instant Messaging System.


In the event of a hurricane:

  1. Stay indoors until the storm is completely over. Do not leave your room until you are instructed to do so by Campus Police, Residence Life Staff, the ALERTUS Emergency System or the Instant Messaging System.
  2. When instructed, quickly seek shelter in the lowest level of the building, preferably in an interior hallway or room.
  3. During the peak of the storm, close doors and remain in hallways.
  4. Stay away from windows, doors and other dangerous areas.
  5. Power failure is likely to occur during a hurricane, therefore, do not attempt to use the elevators.
  6. Do not attempt to open windows or doors.
  7. Report all accidents, injuries, broken windows, or excessive water to Campus Police 323-3333.
  8. Await further orders from Campus Police, the ALERTUS Emergency System and the Instant Messaging System.


D. Communications:

Immediate communications will be made through the Emergency Notification Text Messaging System and the ALERTUS Emergency Notification System.

The Residence Life “Crisis Communication Plan” will be activated.

     

Name

In Case of Emergency Contact

Residence Life

323-2223

 

E. Responsibility and Control:

Residence Life Staff will have control of the students in the residence halls. Once an emergency responder arrives on scene control will shift and Residence Life Staff will assist as directed.


F. Emergency and Training Plans:

Review and be familiar with the Residence Life sheltering areas within each residence hall and the Residence Life “Crisis Communication Plan”.