Hurricane Watch vs. a Warning

Hurricane Watch

A hurricane watch issued for the university area indicates the possibility that the institution could experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. This watch should trigger the disaster plan, and protective measures should be initiated, especially those actions that require extra time such as securing materials that could become projectiles in strong winds.

Hurricane Warning

A hurricane warning issued for the university area indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 24 hours or less. Once this warning has been issued, the institution should be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.

What to Do During a Hurricane Watch

A hurricane WATCH is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24 to 36 hours.

At a minimum a representative from each of the following areas will meet to address the threat of the hurricane:

• Facilities
• Human Resources
• Information Services
• Health Services
• University Relations
• Department of Public Safety
• Residence Life
• Food service
• Ministry
• Counseling
• Risk management

Each area will articulate their unit plan to prepare for the eventuality of a hurricane.

What to Do During a Hurricane Warning

A hurricane WARNING is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in 24 hours or less.

An NWS WARNING indicates that a hazardous event is occurring or is imminent in about 30 minutes to an hour. Local NWS forecast offices issue warnings on a county-by-county basis.

At a minimum a representative from each of the following areas will meet to address the threat of the hurricane:

• Facilities
• Health Services
• Information Services
• University Relations
• Department of Public Safety
• Residence Life
• Food service
• Ministry
• Counseling
• Risk Management

Each area will articulate their unit plan to address the imminent threat of the hurricane.

During the Hurricane

Persons who have been moved to a safe location and sheltered should be monitored closely and not allowed to go outside the assigned building. DPS officers should be posted at all entrances allowing only essential personnel to leave. Then their name and the time they left and returned should be recorded. Only when authorization is given that conditions are safe should others be allowed to leave the building.

After the Hurricane

At a minimum a representative from each of the following areas will meet to assess damage created by the hurricane and to estimate a time line for returning to full operational status:

• Facilities
• Health Services
• Information Services
• University Relations
• Department of Public Safety
• Residence Life
• Food service
• Ministry
• Counseling
• Risk management

Each representative should be prepared to give an assessment of damages in their area.