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1.4.6 Hurricane, Tornado, Severe Weather and other Natural Disasters

 

This Policy is designed to assist Suffolk University in responding to severe weather or other natural disasters and maintaining services when severe weather or other natural disasters occur that may prevent employees or students from entering or leaving the University for an extended period of time.

Definitions

  • A Natural Disaster is any natural event in which the University may be put in jeopardy (i.e.: major flood, blizzard, earthquake, hurricane or tornado)
    • A Watch is issued by the National Weather Service when weather conditions are favorable for the development of a certain type of hazardous weather, such as flooding, severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, or tornadoes. When a watch is issued, begin making plans and preparations for the possibility of hazardous weather. This includes monitoring the media for the latest weather information
    • A Warning is issued by the National Weather Service when the hazardous weather is actually happening or imminent. When a warning is issued, the ICS core team will be notified and the campus community may be notified via the Emergency Messaging System. If safe to do so, monitor the media for the latest weather information

1.4.6.2   General Responses to Severe Weather and other Natural Disasters

  • Unplug all unnecessary equipment and appliances, including sensitive electrical instruments and computers
  • Store all important items and equipment in safe areas away from windows; keep windows, curtains  and blinds closed
  • If safe to do so, assist where needed or as may become necessary as directed by department manager
  • When conditions warrant, move students or staff away from windows
  • Seek appropriate shelter.  The lowest possible level is usually the safest during a tornado.  If unable to relocate to a lower level, put as many walls as possible between yourself and exterior building windows. Examples are interior stairwells, hallways, rooms, bathrooms or corridors
  • If instructed to evacuate, follow evacuation procedures 
  • If safe to do so, contact your supervisor upon leaving your department
  • In the event that weather or other emergency conditions warrant the all-day closing, delayed opening or early closure of the University, announcements will be made via the University Emergency Messaging System; no school closing notifications will be made before 5:30 a.m. School closing information will also be posted on the website.
  • In the event that weather or other emergency conditions warrant the all-day closing or delayed opening of the University, announcements will be made on the following radio and television stations, and websites:
    • Radio stations: WBZ 1030 AM, WFEA 1370 AM, WZID 95.7 FM, WMLL 96.5 FM
    • Television Channels: WBZ-TV Channel 4, WCVB-TV Channel 5, WHDH-TV Channel 7, WFXT-TV Channel 25, WPRI-TV Channel 12, WJAR-TV Channel 10, WLNE-TV Channel 6
    • Websites: www.thebostonchannel.com, www.suffolk.edu
    • Please do not call the University Police Department, switchboard, administrative offices, radio, or television stations to verify University closing.  Instead please call 866-312-2632 for updated messages. 

If a storm occurs late in the day, announcements of evening cancellations will be announced through the emergency alert system upon decision by top administration. 

1.4.6.3   Specific Responses to Severe Weather and other Natural Disasters

What to Do During an Earthquake

Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and if you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe. Be prepared for aftershocks.

If indoors

  • DROP to the floor
  • COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture
  • HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn't a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building
  • Do not run outside
  • Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture
  • Wheelchair users: apply the chair's brake and cover your head with your arms
  • Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow
  • Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave
  • Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may activate
  • DO NOT use the elevators

If outdoors

  • Stay there
  • Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires
  • Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects

If in a vehicle

  • Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires
  • Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake

If trapped under debris

  • Do not light a match
  • Do not move about or kick up dust
  • Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing
  • Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust

What to Do After an Earthquake

  • After the shaking stops, check for injuries and administer first aid if necessary and if qualified. DO NOT move victims unless absolutely necessary
  • Replace telephone handsets that have been shaken off. DO NOT use telephones except to report fires or medical emergencies
  • DO NOT use matches, lighters or other open flames
  • Upon notification by emergency personnel, evacuate the building to your designated assembly site. DO NOT use the elevators. Bring emergency supplies, warm clothing and purses/wallets with you; close all doors behind you
  • Assist persons with disabilities
  • Notify emergency personnel as soon as possible of the location of anyone unable to evacuate the building
  • DO NOT return to an evacuated building unless directed to do so by emergency personnel
  • DO NOT enter a parking structure until you are told it is safe by emergency personnel
  • Try to stay calm and assist others
  • Be prepared for AFTERSHOCKS

1.4.6.4   General Steps to Take After Severe Weather and other Natural Disasters Occur

  • Remain calm and check for injuries
  • Attempt to access the media for the latest emergency information
  • Report injuries and damage to the Suffolk University Police Department via 8111 or 617-573-8111, then Risk Management at extension 8611 or 617-573-8611, or kkruppa@suffolk.edu. If not possible to call, then notify in person if safe to do so
  • Leave the buildings if they have been impacted by the weather or you smell gas or chemical fumes and notify the Suffolk University Police Department via 8111 or 617-573-8111. If not possible to call, then notify in person if safe to do so
  • If outdoors, watch for downed power lines and possible falling debris
  • Do not enter damaged buildings. Return only when campus officials deem the building(s) to be safe
  • The Suffolk University Police Department will control access to affected areas, and in conjunction with Risk Management, will make evaluations to determine if further actions are warranted
  • Report all power outages and problems with phones and other utilities to the Suffolk University Police Department via 8111 or 617-573-8111. If not possible to call, then notify in person when it is safe to do so
  • Do not use matches, lighters or other open flames in case of leaking natural gas 

 

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