Safety on Campus
Hurricane Procedures
Upon announcement by the U.S. Weather Bureau that a hurricane warning status has been declared, the Director of Housing or Director of Residential Life will be notified and will relay weather information to the department staff and residents.
If residents are leaving the residence halls prior to a storm, each resident must fill out a Housing Hurricane Release form and drop it off at the Office of Residential Life and Housing or your Resident Advisor.
Preparation Before the Hurricane Strikes
- All furniture including beds should be pulled away from the windows. Stereos and radios should be placed off the floor, preferably in the closet.
- Since the floors can get wet, all particles such as shoes, rugs, clothes, bags, suitcases, etc., should be placed on closet shelves or in dresser drawers.
- All loose objects should be placed in drawers or closets. Paper, books, etc., should not be left on tops of desks or dressers.
- Valuables should be placed in closets or drawers that can be locked. The closets and drawers should be locked/closed and remain locked/closed throughout the hurricane. All doors should be locked when the occupants are not in the room or apartment.
- Students who reside in residence halls that are equipped with bathtubs are requested to clean the tub and fill it halfway. If the hurricane is a major storm, our water supply may be cut off. If this is the case, the water in the tubs will be needed for washing and flushing toilets. Fill several small containers with water for drinking purposes; store them in your refrigerator if possible.
- All windows must be closed tightly. In those facilities where Venetian blinds are provided, the blinds should be down and closed. DO NOT put tape on windows.
- Each student should provide her/his own flashlight in case of power failure. DO NOT use candles under any circumstances; fire is uncontrollable during a hurricane. Residents should provide themselves with an adequate supply of non-perishable foods to last two to three days.
- If you vacate your residence prior to the storm, we ask that you inform the Office of Residential Life and Housing staff where you can be located.
- All automobiles must remain in the assigned parking areas. Park as close together as possible, and leave your car in reverse gear with the emergency brake on.
- All windows should be closed and your doors locked.
Procedures During the Hurricane
For your personal protection and welfare, we ask that you follow this list of instructions:
- Students may be required to relocate to another hall during the time of a hurricane. They will be required to stay in the designated area until released by the Director of Housing or Director of Residential Life or designee.
- It is essential that all residents stay indoors throughout the entire hurricane. Residents must not leave their living units until directed to do so by the residence hall staff.
- During the peak of the storm, for maximum protection, it is suggested that residents close room or bedroom doors and remain in the hallways.
- Students should remain away from danger areas, such as glass windows and doors in the lobby areas of the halls or the living rooms of the apartments.
- Do not attempt to open windows or doors to see what is happening outside.
- Report all accidents, injuries, broken windows, or excessive water to the Residential Life and Housing staff to report to Physical Plant or Public Safety.
- Telephone calls should be made only in cases of emergency, such as those mentioned in item #4.
If everyone remains calm, stays inside, and observes the above instructions, and precautions, this minimizes danger. If anyone has any questions, please contact the Residence Life and Housing Staff or Public Safety. Students should have their radios tuned to a local station for storm advisories and general information. Close window tight and lock. Please stay indoors during the hurricane. This is for your protection.
In all cases of emergencies, evaluate the situation and be prepared in a calm and confident manner to:
- Render appropriate first aid and seek assistance.
- State your name and exact location of the emergency and the nature of the emergency. Have someone at the main entrance of the particular facility to direct the emergency unit to the proper location.
Procedures After the Hurricane
- Residents will not be allowed back into their room until the Director of Housing or Director of Residential Life has received approval from university administration that all the residence halls are safe and secure
- Residents can call the Office of Residential Life and Housing at (954) 262-7052 or the Housing Hotline at (954) 262-7777 to receive continuous updates.
- Damage to personal property found after the storm is not the responsibility of Nova Southeastern University and the Office of Residential Life and Housing.
- Damage to NSU Property will be taken care of by the university in a timely manner after the storm.
- If residents need to be relocated due to damage to their room, the Office of Residential Life and Housing will work with each student to find a temporary location on-campus until the room is cleared by university administration.
