FIU talks hurricane preparedness for this year’s hurricane season

Sarah Filgueiras/Contributing Writer

Too dangerous to stay or far too great to leave, with hurricane season approaching, you must know how to prepare and evacuate, if necessary. Florida International University has prepared helpful suggestions for the community to know what to do during hurricane season.

“The past should serve as a guide for the future. It is easy to grow complacent, but complacency is never an excuse for unpreparedness,” said President Mark Rosenberg in a mass email. “It only takes a single storm to have widespread, devastating effects. If you haven’t started to prepare, now is the time.”

Rosenberg encourages the community to have a hurricane plan to be prepared, if and when a disaster strikes.

Begin to review, revise or create your personal hurricane plan, become familiar with the University’s emergency communication procedures – which apply to all potential hazards – and purchase the supplies necessary for your disaster kit,” wrote Rosenberg. “Before a storm, you should always follow any protective actions issued by emergency officials.”

Some recommended disaster supplies are water, non-perishable food, battery powered radios, flashlights, batteries, first aid kits, can openers and local maps. More recommended items recommended for hurricane preparedness can be found on ready.gov/kit.

FIU housing students are responsible for acquiring their own supplies. They are also responsible for seeking out their own shelters if they do not wish to remain in a common area on campus.

In the event of an emergency, FIU has multiple forms of communication known as FIU Alert, which will help advise the FIU community during the disaster. In addition to checking FIU emails accounts, FIU recommends using tools such as: text messages, informacast, checking emails on FIU account, updates on the FIU homepage, social media, FIU Help Line, FIU WRGP Radio at 95.3 FM and local media.

Since Miami is estimated by Google maps to be 5.906 feet above sea level, this potentially leaves FIU at great risk of flooding or heavy rainfall, the latter usually falling in between classes.  As a result, FIU has prepared these measures because it can be directly impacted.

We care deeply about our entire FIU family, which is why we have taken the appropriate and precautionary measures to ensure their safety,” said Rosenberg. “Being prepared and following these steps will make for a safer hurricane season and quicker recovery, should a hazardous event affect our university community.”

Hugh Gladwin, an anthropologist and associate professor for the department of Global and Sociocultural Studies has been published for his field research in hurricane Katrina, Andrew and Sandy. Much of his research focuses on decision making and hurricane disaster planning.

Gladwin highlighted two main points: being prepared for a hurricane and knowing when to evacuate. “When people know there’s a hurricane coming, they go crazy,” said Gladwin when referring to storm search. It is known to be the four days before a storm hits, and forecasts can accurately predict a hurricane’s strength and path.

Gladwin mentions that by this time, it is too late to be prepared. Supplies run out, traffic escalates and gas prices begin to increase.  A category one hurricane can knock off power in certain areas for 10 days,  so  Gladwin recommends  to start preparing for hurricanes about two weeks before the season begins.  

Gladwin’s second point is knowing when to evacuate. Depending on your location, you may not have to evacuate, Gladwin mentions that there’s a hotline from the National Hurricane Center (3-1-1) that can be called during all hours to know your risk.

If you are a FIU student, the FIU Help Line, 305-348-HELP, is also a useful tool to use in the event of an emergency.
Gladwin recommends relocating as less as possible; if your location is unsafe, it’s best to stay at a friend’s house in a safe area. If you are however a Panther staying in housing, information on FIU’s hurricane preparedness can be accessed on dem.fiu.edu.

Additional reporting by Stephanie Espaillat/News Director

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