Hurricane Season is Back: What to remember?
I landed in Florida on August 18th with Tropical Storm Fay hitting…torrential rain storms and hurling winds. It gets scary at times, especially if you are on the road. Hurricane Gustav really did a number on New Orleans. They said it was going to surpass Katrina, but it hasn’t yet and hopefully it won’t.
Freshman begin to arrive on Thursday and we are on target for potential CAT 2 Hurricane Hanna. It is currently projected to stay east of us in the ocean and hit further north, but you never know. After surviving Hurricane Wilma as a freshman unfamiliar with hurricanes, I have some tips to survive as a college student during a hurricane:
1. Remember the residence halls are the safest place for you. Category five proof.
2. Fill up your car with gas prior to the hurricane. NOT THE NIGHT BEFORE…several days in advance.
3. Stock up on plenty of water and snacks. You never know how long it will last.
4. Refrain from alcohol, even if you are 21. Emergency centers are not able to respond as quickly during natural disasters.
5. Have a battery operated lantern and flashlights available with extra batteries.
6. Remember, Resident Assistants are on each floor/wing. They are experienced student leaders who are here to assist and provide comfort. Do not hesitate to ask them questions or seek advice.
7. Remain calm…bring out the old school board games.
8. Don’t forget any medications that you may need…
9. A radio is great to keep updated with the storm and a well charged cell phone!
10. It’s also a good idea to charge your laptop battery… you are going to appreciate the ability to watch a DVD on your laptop, or even get some much needed work done.
Filed under: Resident Assistant, South Florida on September 1st, 2008
And don’t forget any medications that you may need…
As well as a radio and a well charged cell phone!
It’s also a good idea to charge your laptop battery… you are going to appreciate the ability to watch a DVD on your laptop, or even get some much needed work done.
Thanks Ashlea…I added those tips so anyone just reading the top page could see them.
After riding out “Ike” and without power 7 days, I concur with all the above advice. Also, I’d say that in a campus environment it would be good to establish a buddy system to keep track of each other and to help immediately after the storm passes. It’s better to work in teams when clearing debris, providing minor medical emergency care, or just for safety’s sake!