According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), “It only takes one big dangerous storm to change your life and others’ in the community.”
Whether you’re a residential student or you live off-campus, the right precautions can keep you safe and prevent any possible dangers. According to the NHC, you can prepare for this hurricane season by gathering information, planning and taking action.
First, find out if you are living in an evacuation area, in case you need to leave due to a severe disaster. The NHC said to evaluate your neighborhood and its vulnerability to flooding and wind.
The NHC also said to pay attention to weather watches and warnings in the area. If a hurricane is expected to hit NSU, the school will send you an alert email that campus will be closed due to the storm. The center also said you should try get in touch with your local National Weather Service office to find out what else to look out for.
Take action in your preparation
Richard Walterman, associate director of emergency management for NSU Public Safety said students should pull furniture away from windows and stay indoors. The NHC said that if you are staying indoors, stay aware and alert. Keep an eye out for tornados that can form from hurricanes. Also, be careful of what the NHC calls the “eye of the storm,” a period of calm that means the storm is halfway past your location.
Taylor Matthews, senior political science major and residential assistant, said that if a student does decide to leave campus to seek shelter, he or she must let the department know so that they are aware of the student’s location for safety .
Matthews said that students should purchase enough water before a hurricane to last about two to three days. According to Matthews, candles are not allowed in the residence halls, so every student should go out and buy flashlights with extra batteries in case the power turns off. The NHC website provides a disaster supply kit list of hurricane season non-perishables and tools.
Know the rules for residence halls
“As an RA, our number one priority is keeping residents safe and secure,” said
She said that the Department of Residential Life and Housing has plans prepared for the residence halls in the event of a hurricane. Matthews said that the halls can act as a form of shelter but that the department also has multiple off-campus options available if an evacuation should occur before or during a storm.
“The number one key to survival is preparedness, which includes listening to directions from housing staff and purchasing non-perishables and tools,” said Matthews.
Remember, hurricane season is not officially over until Nov. 30. Good luck, and stay safe.
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