President Rosenberg: Be prepared during hurricane season


President Mark B. Rosenberg sent the following memo to the university community on Wednesday, Aug. 19:

TO:                    Members of the University Community
FROM:             Mark B. Rosenberg, President
SUBJECT:       Hurricane Preparedness
DATE:              August 19, 2009

As the 2009 hurricane season becomes more active and we continue to monitor tropical systems that could impact South Florida, I would like to urge all  university personnel to review hurricane plans and responsibilities so that you can each do your part to make sure FIU is ready for an emergency.

I also would like to encourage all students, faculty and staff to take the time to review their personal hurricane preparations.

Some tips to keep in mind:

  • Due to rapidly-developing weather conditions, it is important to keep up to date on current conditions by listening, watching or reading the media outlet of your choice or monitoring local weather radio.
  • University officials will provide important updates through a number of vehicles:
                 –   Panther Alerts are text messages that provide important updates during emergencies. To participate, register online with your name, e-mail address and the phone number where you want to receive the text messages. You can update the information as necessary or remove the information if you no longer wish to participate. You may receive test messages periodically to ensure that the system is working properly and that all registrants are receiving messages. The service is free, although normal text message fees from your carrier may apply.
                –   The InformaCast emergency notification system relays messages through outdoor speakers on campuses and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones in offices and classrooms. 
                 – University officials also alert the university community during emergencies through university-wide e-mails and electronic signs at the entrances of Modesto A. Maidique Campus and Biscayne Bay Campus.
  • For updates on university operations, please check the FIU Help Line, 305-348-HELP (305-348-4357), the FIU home page (www.fiu.edu), or News@FIU (http://newsarchives.fiu.edu).
  • To prepare your office, unplug electrical power to office equipment and cover exposed equipment if necessary. Be mindful of equipment on the floor that might be damaged in case of flooding. Each department has specific requirements for preparation in case of a hurricane, so please review and follow your department’s plan. Check the FIU Office of Emergency Management website for more information.
  • Extreme weather events can cause power outages that lead to fuel shortages, difficulties accessing automated teller machines and possibly contaminated water. For your personal preparations, make sure to fuel your vehicles, have extra cash on hand and protect your important documents. Among your hurricane supplies, make sure to have flashlights and batteries, non-perishable food, a can opener, a water supply of one gallon per day per person, a battery-operated radio, a first-aid kit and an adequate supply of your prescription medication. Also make plans for your pets’ needs.
  • Develop a family communication plan and establish a meeting place in case your family is not together when an emergency strikes. For hurricane evacuations, choose a place along the evacuation route. Designate an out-of-state friend or relative to serve as the family contact should local communications break down.
  • If you are asked to evacuate, know where you will go and be familiar with the evacuation routes. Evacuate as soon as the order is given. FIU is not a Miami-Dade County hurricane shelter, although the Modesto A. Maidique Campus serves as a shelter for Monroe County residents. For a list of shelters in Miami-Dade County, visit http://www.miamidade.gov/oem/. For Broward County, please visit http://www.broward.org/hurricane/pdf/english_hurricane_map.pdf

For more on preparations and other useful information, please visit the FIU Office of Emergency Management web site, http://www.fiuoem.com.   Additional information is available at www.fema.gov and www.ready.gov.

As always, FIU’s Emergency Management Group will monitor any developments that might affect us.

Good planning makes for a safer season, so, if you have not done so, please make your preparations starting today.

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