Crisis Action Guide

Hurricanes and Tornadoes

Hurricane season starts June 1, and ends November 30 th . All members of the University community should review their specific FAU and private residence hurricane plans to minimize potential damage in case of a strike. The presence of hurricane activity that could impact FAU's service region will activate the “Hurricane Information” site www.fau.edu . When a hurricane warning is issued by the National Weather Service, President Brogan or his designee may authorize the University to close. Official closings will be announced by the Office of Media Relations to local newspapers, radio and television stations, the FAU Webmaster and the hurricane hotlines serving all campuses.

The following hotlines will provide accurate, up-to-date information during a hurricane watch and warning:

Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) is responsible for maintaining the Hurricane Emergency Plans for all campuses. Each department is responsible for developing a written plan and providing a copy of the plan to staff. Copies of plans can also be obtained by calling EH&S (561) 297-3129. EH&S also distributes NOAA Weather Radios to all buildings and building/area supervisors in order to provide current weather information to staff.

Students should monitor the hotline telephone numbers and the “Hurricane Information” web site. All on-campus residents will need to evacuate University Housing. Transportation to Red Cross shelters will be provided for residents and those requiring special transportation arrangements due to a physical disability. Specific pick-up locations will be announced on posters and flyers throughout the University Housing facilities. Locations of shelters can be found at the FAU Web Site and the EH&S Web Site at www.fau.edu/ehs.

Tropical depression – an organized system of thunderstorms with a defined circulation and top sustained winds of less than 39 mph.
Tropical storm – an organized system with a defined circulation and top sustained winds between 39-74 mph.
Tropical storm watch –conditions are possible in the specified area of the watch within 36 hours.
Tropical storm warning –conditions are expected in the affected area within 24 hours.
Hurricane – An intense tropical weather system with a well-defined circulation and sustained wind speed of 74 mph or higher.
Hurricane watch –conditions are possible within the specified area within 36 hours.
Hurricane warning –conditions are expected in the specified area within 24 hours.

Additional Web Sites: National Hurricane Center www.nhc.noaa.gov/ Florida Emergency Management www.floridadisaster.org/

With the arrival of warm weather in Florida , the frequency of tornadoes increases. The most active months for tornadoes are June through August during the afternoon's buildup of heat in the lower atmosphere. However no season or time of day is exempt from this powerful and deadly weather phenomenon. Land falling tropical storms and hurricanes also generate tornadoes. Tornadoes can last from a few seconds to more than an hour. The path can be from a few dozen yards to a few hundred yards. Using the actual damage to determine the tornado's wind speed is the basis the Fujita Sc ale (F-sc ale ):

Monitor NOAA weather radios for the following alerts:

TORNADO WATCH – is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions, which may produce tornadoes or severe thunderstorms, are present or developing. Continue normal activities, but have a safety plan in mind, and be ready to implement it, if the warning is issued.

TORNADO WARNING –is issued when a tornado or severe thunderstorm has been detected or sighted. The warning will tell you the location and movement of the severe weather. If you are in the path of the storm, implement your safety plan immediately. Take shelter if you see or hear a tornado or threatening weather approaching. There may not be time for an official warning .

SAFETY TIPS

•  Designate a tornado safe area in your building. It should be an interior room without windows. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under heavy furniture. Cover head with arms and hands.

•  If outdoors, lie flat in a low spot. Cover head with arms and hands. Do not get under an overpass or bridge.

•  Get out of a car immediately and seek shelter. Never try to outrun a tornado, they can change directions quickly.