Hurricane Preparedness: Stay Ready, Stay Safe

At Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, we understand how important it is to be prepared before a hurricane strikes. Whether you are new to the area or have experienced hurricane season before, taking the right steps early can help keep you and your loved ones safe. Here is what every student, faculty, and staff member should know about staying ready before, during, and in the event that you need to shelter in place during a hurricane.

Safety Notification Network

Burrell College and/or NMSU and/ or Florida Tech will issue advisories, alerts, or warnings as appropriate for major incidents or emergencies. Advisories may be sent out via e-mail, texts, news media, or Burrell College’s social media pages.  Burrell Collège employee and student emails and cell numbers are automatically enrolled into the College’s electronic Emergency Notification System (ENS). For more information view the Emergency Guidebook. (link the guide book) https://burrell.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Burrell-Emergency-Guidebook-2.pdf

Hurricanes and Tornadoes

Tornadoes and hurricanes can inflict heavy casualties and damage. It is very difficult to make anything, other than routine preparation for tornadoes, because of their unpredictability and the lack of reliable warning information. Hurricanes, however, generally allow for sufficient lead time to take actions that minimize losses and contribute to timely recovery.

Hurricane Information

Definitions

For the purpose of clarification, the following definitions are noted:

Hurricane Season

June 1 through November 30

Hurricane Watch/Alert

This is the first warning that a hurricane is a definite threat to a portion of the Florida East Coast. The watch is usually given 48 hours before the storm is expected to hit the coast. Landfall of the hurricane is uncertain and broad geographic areas are alerted. This is the time for preliminary storm preparation.

Hurricane Warning

Normally issued 36 hours before the storm is expected to strike the coast (Space Coast). More accurate landfall is predicted, with narrower geographic boundaries.

Should Florida Tech fall under a Hurricane Watch, students are requested to keep their radio or television tuned to one of the stations listed in this section for up-to-date information on the hurricane.

Before the Storm

• All electrical equipment (stereos, computers, radios, etc.) should be placed on the floor and unplugged.
• All loose objects should be placed in drawers or lockers. Papers, books, etc., are not to be left on top of desks.
• All windows should be closed tightly and locked, and curtains should be closed.
• Valuables should be placed in lockable drawers or lockers and should remain locked throughout the storm. Doors should be locked when occupants are not in the room.
• Students who own cars should set the emergency brake and put the car in park or reverse gear. All windows should be closed and the car locked.
• No motor vehicles of any type may be stored inside the apartments. This is a violation of local fire codes and endangers residents in neighboring apartments. Any vehicles found inside apartments will be removed at the owner’s expense.
• Students should supply their own battery powered flashlights (have extra batteries) in case of power failure. Candles or other flame type lighting should not be used under any circumstance; fire is uncontrollable during a hurricane.
• Panther Dining Hall will be the center for all food service activity during a hurricane emergency period.
• The last meal served at Panther Dining Hall will end a minimum of 12 hours before the expected landfall of the storm. Depending on the severity of the storm (category 1 or higher), “survival bags” of snack food and water will be issued during the last meal service.
• When picking up food and water supplies, students and staff remaining in the area will be identified and asked to state where they intend to stay during the storm. That information will be forwarded to the Department of Security.
• Refill all medications and keep them with you. 
• Local residents are strongly encouraged to go to their homes for the duration of the storm and to notify the Residence Life staff before departure. In the event of a hurricane, all students are encouraged to contact their parents/legal guardians regarding their evacuation plans.
• In the event of a hurricane, all students are strongly encouraged to seek appropriate shelter off campus for the duration of the storm and to notify the Residence Life staff before departure. In addition, all students are asked to contact their parents/legal guardians regarding their evacuation plans.

During the Storm

• If the university has not evacuated the campus/closed the residential facilities, it is essential that all residents who have chosen to remain on campus stay indoors throughout the entire hurricane. Residents must not leave their living units unless directed by the Residence Life staff. Depending on the severity of the storm, campus curfews may be in effect during and after the storm.
• For maximum safety during the peak of the storm, residents should close their doors and remain in the hallway. If you are not familiar with a hurricane, there is always a lull in the storm when the eye passes through the area. Once the eye passes through, the storm begins again, but with the winds coming from the opposite direction.
• Remain away from danger areas, such as glass windows. Do not attempt to open doors or windows to see what is happening.
• Report all accidents, injuries, broken windows and excessive water to your RA.
• Telephone calls should only be made in case of an emergency.
• “Hurricane parties” are not allowed. Do not drink alcohol. Everyone needs to think clearly during a hurricane.

Evacuation

Evacuation of the campus may be ordered by the Brevard County Emergency Management Division or depending on the severity of the storm, the College may evacuate the campus. The campus will remain closed until such time as all services have been restored and it has been deemed safe to reopen.

The Brevard County Authority that is tasked with disaster planning is the “Emergency Management and Communications Division” at 1746 Cedar Street in Rockledge. The phone number for the facility is 321-637-6670, for information during disasters only, call 321-637-6674.

If, before the storm, students are concerned for their safety and would prefer to go to an evacuation center, they should do so.

Information Sources:

AM Radio

• WMMB 1240 KHZ
• WTAI 1560 KHZ

Television

• WESH Channel 2
• WKMG Channel 6
• WFTV Channel 9

FM Radio

• WFIT 89.5 MHZ
• WRLQ 99.3 MHZ
• WGGD 102.3 MHZ
• WHKR 102.7
• WAIA 107.1 MHZ

Online

More information about hurricanes and procedures can be found on the following Web sites:

• American Red Cross (preparation/safety tips)
• National Hurricane Center (storm information)
• FEMA (relief information)

Tornado Precautions

Before the storm, develop a plan for you and your family at home, work, school and when outdoors. Keep a map of approaching storm movements by listening to weather bulletins. Have a NOAA weather radio to receive warnings. If planning to be outdoors, listen to the latest forecasts and plan accordingly.

Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that advance warning is not possible. Remain alert for signs of an approaching tornado. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most deaths and injuries. If you see a dark, often greenish sky, a wall cloud, large hail, or hear a loud roar similar to a freight train, take shelter immediately.

If a Tornado Warning is Issued

Stay safe in a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement, interior room or hallway on the lowest floor, and get under a sturdy piece of furniture. Stay away from windows. Get out of automobiles. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately. If caught outside or in a vehicle, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression.