Hurricane Preparedness
A tropical cyclone is defined as rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has a closed low-level circulation. They are classified as follows:
- Tropical Depression – A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less.
- Tropical Storm – A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph.
- Hurricane – A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher.
- Major Hurricane – A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 111 mph or higher, corresponding to a Category 3, 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
WATCHES & WARNINGS
Listen closely to instructions given by the Nicholls Emergency Operation Center or local officials on TV, radio, cell phones or other devices for instructions from local officials. Evacuate if told to do so.
WATCHES
Hurricane Watch – Hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are possible within your area. Because it may not be safe to prepare for a hurricane once winds reach tropical storm force, the NHC issues hurricane watches 48 hours before it anticipates tropical-storm-force winds.
Tropical Storm Watch – Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours.
Storm Surge Watch – The possibility of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline somewhere within the specified area, generally within 48 hours.
WARNINGS
Hurricane Warning – Hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are expected somewhere within the specified area. NHC issues a hurricane warning 36 hours in advance of tropical-storm-force winds to give you time to complete your preparations.
Tropical Storm Warning – Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within your area within 36 hours.
Storm Surge Warning – The danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline somewhere within the specified area, generally within 36 hours.
Extreme Wind Warning – Extreme sustained winds of a major hurricane (115 mph or greater), usually associated with the eyewall, are expected to begin within an hour. Take immediate shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure.
BEFORE A HURRICANE
Have a Family Emergency Plan – Before an emergency happens, sit down with your family or close friends and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supplies kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster.
Put Together an Emergency Supplies Kit – Put together a basic disaster supplies kit and consider storage locations for different situations. Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators and storm shutters. For a list of key items for your kit, see www.ready.gov/kit
Review Your Homeowners Insurance – Review your insurance policy to ensure that you have adequate coverage for your home. It is highly recommended to video your homes interior and exterior before a storm for insurance documentation.
DURING A HURRICANE
Secure your home – Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8-inch exterior grade or marine plywood, built to fit and ready to install. Buy supplies before the hurricane season rather than waiting for the pre-storm rush.
Stayed tuned in – Check the websites of your local National Weather Service office and local government/emergency management office. Find out what type of emergencies could occur and how you should respond. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or other radio or TV stations for the latest storm news.
Follow instructions issued by local officials – Leave immediately if ordered!
IF NOT ORDERED TO EVACUATE
- Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level during the storm. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can.
- Stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
- If the eye of the storm passes over your area, there will be a short period of calm, but at the other side of the eye, the wind speed rapidly increases to hurricane-force winds coming from the opposite direction.
AFTER A HURRICANE
Stay Informed – Continue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates. If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
Stay Alert – Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges. If you must go out, watch for fallen objects in the road, downed electrical wires, and weakened walls, bridges, roads and sidewalks that might collapse.
Assess the Damage – Walk carefully around the outside of your home to check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage.
STAY SAFE
- Stay out of any building if you smell gas, if floodwaters remain around the building or if the building or home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death after storms in areas dealing with power outages. Never use a portable generator inside your home or garage.
- A generator ALWAYS needs to be AT LEAST 5 FEET from any type of fresh air openings, i.e., doors, windows, dryer vents, etc. A safe distance between the generator and your home will allow for proper ventilation, mitigate fire risks and ensure that exhaust does not enter your dwelling.
- Use battery-powered flashlights. Do NOT use candles. Turn on your flashlight before entering a vacated building. The battery could produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.
For additional Information please visit these helpful links.
National Hurricane Center: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: https://www.noaa.gov/hurricane-prep
Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: https://gohsep.la.gov
Safety Rules
- Observe and follow all posted safety notices.
- The use of any tobacco product in any form is prohibited on all Nicholls State University properties including the main campus, Chauvin Gardens, etc.
- No fighting or horseplay allowed in the work area or classroom.
- Know where fire extinguishers are located and how to use them.
- Evacuate in an orderly manner if the fire alarm sounds.
- Know designated evacuation routes from your floor and building.
- Know emergency phone numbers or access to them.
- Report all injuries and accidents to your supervisor.
- Report to your supervisor any equipment that is not operating properly.
- Do not run in the work area.
- Report unsafe conditions to your supervisor.
- Do not throw objects in the work area.
- Keep your work station clean and orderly.
- Keep floor free of litter.
- Place litter and waste materials in proper containers.
- Do not walk on wet floors and immediately wipe up spills.
- Keep passageway clear to allow easy access and exit.
- Keep desk, filing drawers, etc. closed to avoid hazards to those walking by.
- Return equipment and material to their proper place after use.
- Report lighting and ventilation problems affecting you to your immediate supervisor.
- Always read labels before using chemicals, bleaches, cleaning fluid, etc. that could be harmful if spilled.
- When working with hazardous chemicals, do not work alone.
- Use only approved cleaning fluids when cleaning machinery. Remember to allow for proper ventilation. Dispose of rags and waste material in proper containers and away from heat.
- Do not operate machines or equipment without proper training.
- Never leave a machine or equipment in operation unattended. Turn machine and equipment off before leaving the office at the end of the workday.
- Neckties, scarves and other wearing apparel should be secured when working around equipment.
- Notify your supervisor of any breakage or malfunction of machinery or equipment.
- Wear eye protection, respirators, or protective clothing in regulated areas or during functions requiring protective gear.
- Report frayed electrical cords immediately.
- Tape temporary electrical cords to the floor to prevent tripping.
- Do not overload electrical circuits.
- Do not use electrical extension cords as a permanent electrical line.
- Never turn on an electrical switch unless you know what it operates and have had the adequate training on that piece of equipment.
- Do not attempt to repair electrical devices unless properly trained to do so. Otherwise, report it to a supervisor.
- Keep flammable items away from electrical outlets, cords or other electrical apparatus.
- Use only properly grounded electrical equipment.
- When using university vehicles or your own vehicle for authorized travel, remember to use your seat belts and drive defensively.
- Only authorized drivers allowed to operate state vehicles or personal vehicles for state business.
- Do not text and drive.
These listed safety rules are not totally inclusive. They are intended as a guide to develop proper health and safety practices and procedures. Should you have questions or doubts about safe operations in the workplace, please contact your supervisor or the Safety Officer. Nicholls State University wants to provide a safe and healthy work and academic environment for its students, faculty and staff.