Hurricanes and Disasters 1. Purpose The purpose of this plan is to set forth preparation procedures, designate responsibilities, and outline courses of action to be followed in response to a potential hurricane landfall in the district area. 2. Definitions Certain terminology related to hurricane reporting must be defined in order to understand the provisions of this plan. 3. Phases of Warning Hurricane Watch - an announcement that a hurricane poses a possible threat to specified coastal areas, generally within thirty-six (36) hours. Hurricane Warning - an announcement that a hurricane is expected within coastal areas within twenty-four (24) hours or less. 4. Categories Based on their intensity, hurricanes are categorized on a scale from one to five as follows: Category One - Winds of 74-95 mph - surge 4-5 ft. Category Two - Winds of 96-110 mph - surge 6-8 ft. Category Three - Winds of 111-130 mph - surge 9-12 ft. Category Four - Winds of 131-155 mph - surge 13-18 ft. Category Five- Winds of 155+ mph - surge 18+ ft. 5. Evacuation Order The responsibility to assist students and protect College facilities rests with the administration and staff. St. Johns River Community College's hurricane planning and preparation must be sufficiently flexible to serve two possible courses of action. Based upon a storm's intensity and the predicted point of landfall, it must be decided whether students will continue with classes or an evacuation or closing will be ordered. The decision to evacuate or close will be made by the College President, unless sooner directed by the Clay, St. Johns, or Putnam County Office of Emergency Management. 6. Disaster Control Team The execution and direction of the Hurricane Plan will be the responsibility of the Disaster Control Team. The team will be activated by order of the President. However, much of the team members' preparation responsibilities must be accomplished prior to hurricane season. The Disaster Control Team consists of the following members of the College's administration and staff: Executive Vice President - Team Director General Counsel - Team Deputy Director Vice President for Student Affairs Vice President for Academic Affairs Vice President for Workforce Development Vice President for Administrative Affairs Provosts Vice President for Business Affairs Director of Facilities Chief of Security Director of Public Relations Principal team members are expected to delegate duties to their subordinates as necessary. However, upon notification of a hurricane warning, all non-essential employees should be permitted to attend to the needs of their families. 7. Specific Disaster Control Responsibility Executive Vice President - Team Director A. Activate the team upon the order of the President B. Coordinate the activities of the Disaster Control Team C. Render recommendations to the President on major issues (e.g. to evacuate or not) General Counsel - The Deputy Team Director A. Inform Director of Public Relations as to decisions made and messages that will be delivered to students, faculty and the public B. Delegate liaison with local emergency management officials and report back time frame C. Direct team members as to how often they should report back and where, and when Vice President for Student Affairs A. Inform Team Director as to student needs and concerns B. Suggest appropriate messages to be delivered Vice President for Academic Affairs A. Inform Team Director as to faculty needs and concerns B. Suggest appropriate actions Vice President for Workforce Development A. Inform Team Director as to faculty needs and concerns B. Suggest appropriate actions Vice President for Administrative Affairs A. Inform Team Director as to employee needs and concerns B. Suggest appropriate actions Provosts A. Inform Team Director as to student and employee needs and concerns B. Suggest appropriate actions Vice President for Business Affairs A. Act as resource to the Disaster Control Team B. Suggest appropriate actions Director of Facilities A. Pre-hurricane season preparation includes pre-stocking emergency supplies and testing emergency generators regularly. B. Upon activation of Disaster Control Team test generators C. Upon notification of a "Hurricane Warning" dismiss all non-essential employees D. Pick up and store all outside loose equipment E. Board or tape essential exposed windows F. Secure all building systems to include mechanical, electrical, propane, elevators, etc G. If an evacuation is ordered, make all buildings as secure as possible and arrange to evacuate all personnel and students. H. After storm subsides, inspect campus and surrounding area for dangerous situations and report results to Team Director. Inspect facilities and report results I. Resume normal schedule when practicable Chief of Security A. Pre-hurricane season preparation includes maintaining liaison with Clay, St. Johns and Putnam County Emergency Planning Councils and representation at planning sessions B. Upon activation of the Disaster Control Team, set up and maintain tracking chart and monitor all hurricane advisories. Test communications equipment. C. If an evacuation is ordered, check with Emergency Management for recommended evacuation routes. Inspect all facilities to make sure that all students and College employees have been evacuated and all entrances are locked. D. Security personnel will evacuate last after a thorough inspection to ensure the buildings are void of other personnel, all doors are locked, and all facilities are secured as well as possible. Director of Public Relations A. Follow Section Three and Four of the Crisis Communications Plan for the College. B. If regular communications equipment cannot be used, borrow or rent phone, copier, fax or other equipment needed to deliver emergency messages. e.g. ask radio stations to make closing announcement. C. If appropriate, request mutual aid from other Florida community college Public Relations departments. D. When operations return to normal, choose appropriate activities to thank individuals and agencies that have helped the College during the disaster.