Knowing what to do before an emergency can help you act quickly and confidently.

• Identify emergency contacts and decide how you'll communicate with family or friends.

• Know your evacuation routes and where to seek shelter.

• Plan for transportation, accessibility, medical and other personal needs.

Keep essential supplies ready in case you need to shelter in place, evacuate or manage an extended disruption.

• Store water, nonperishable food, flashlights and backup power.

• Include medications, hygiene items and important documents.

• Check your supplies regularly and replace expired items.

For additional guidance and a comprehensive checklist, visit Ready.gov's Build a Kit resource.

Reliable information helps you make safer decisions before, during and after an emergency.

• Keep your university contact information current.

• Download the Owl Ready app and understand how FAU Alert works.

• Follow official university communications and trusted weather sources.

Understanding basic protective actions helps you respond to different emergencies.

• Learn when to evacuate and when to shelter in place.

• Locate emergency exits and safe areas in buildings you regularly visit.

• Review university guidance for severe weather, fires and other emergencies.

Hurricanes, tropical storms, severe thunderstorms and flooding can disrupt daily life across South Florida. Preparing ahead of time can help you respond to changing conditions and possible disruptions to campus operations.

Before Severe Weather:

• Review your evacuation options and identify where you could go if you need to leave.

• Gather essential supplies, including food, water, medications and backup power.

• Plan for possible power outages, transportation disruptions and changes to campus operations.

• Monitor official weather forecasts and Florida Atlantic emergency communications.

Additional Resource: Prepare for Hurricanes

Living on campus comes with unique preparedness considerations. Knowing your residence hall procedures and planning ahead can help you respond to emergencies and unexpected changes to campus services.

Before an Emergency:

• Review your residence hall's emergency procedures and evacuation routes.

• Identify where you could go if you need to leave campus.

• Plan transportation and share your plans with family or friends.

• Keep essential supplies, medications and important belongings accessible.

If Campus Operations Are Disrupted:

• Follow instructions from Housing and Residential Education and university officials.

• Monitor FAU Alert and official university communications.

• Prepare for possible changes to housing, dining, transportation and other services.

• Contact Housing and Residential Education if you need assistance with your housing arrangements.

Emergency preparedness looks different for everyone. If you have a disability, medical consideration or other access need, planning ahead can help you identify options and resources that support your safety.

Plan for Your Needs:

• Identify accessible evacuation routes, exits and areas of refuge in buildings you regularly visit.

• Consider how you would respond if elevators, power or communication systems become unavailable.

• Include medications, medical equipment, communication devices and other essential items in your emergency supplies.

• Identify people who may be able to assist you during an emergency.

• Review available university resources and communicate your needs to appropriate personnel before an emergency.

Additional Resource: Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities