How to Prepare for a Hurricane
All NSU faculty and staff are responsible for protecting office equipment, i.e., computers, printers, televisions, video equipment, copiers, etc. within their offices and common areas.
- Raise up CPUs that are stationed on the floor about two inches using old books or wood blocks.
- Cover printers and computer monitors with heavy plastic.
- Lock up and secure important files. Even if your office is not located on the first floor, if high winds blow out windows on upper floors, flooding can still occur from rain being driven by high winds.
- Park University vehicles throughout campus to avoid damages at one central location. If your office or department has use of a state vehicle, all state vehicles should be fully serviced: gasoline and oil.
- Secure office spaces: unplug electronic equipment, i.e., computers, television sets, radios, etc.
- Lock file cabinets and place documents, disks, flash drives and other files in plastic covering.
- Check the entire office to ensure that equipment is protected and offices, file cabinets, etc. are locked and secure.
At Home
- Take in or secure loose outdoor items.
- Board up windows, garage and porch doors. Large windows should be braced inside and out. Taping windows will lessen the hazard of flying glass.
- Fill up your car with gas before the storm.
- Adjust the thermostat on your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings.
- If you do not have a generator, get a car mobile phone charger so you can charge your phone or if possible, have an extra phone battery.
- Place important documents in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag.
- Put family pets in a safe area and provide them with ample food (dry) and water.
- Have batteries, flashlights and a battery-powered radio on hand.
- If you stay in your home during the storm, take shelter in an interior room, closet or bathroom.
- Fill containers with several days’ supply of drinking water and fill bathtubs with water for sanitary use.
- Have non-perishable and packaged food on hand. For canned goods, be sure to have a manual can opener.
- Have cash in small bills in case ATMs are not working.
- If your area is prone to flooding, place items high off the floor to avoid water damage.
During a Hurricane
- Stay inside and keep away from all windows, skylights and glass doors.
- Go to a safe area, such as an interior room, closet or downstairs bathroom.
- Never go outside the protection of your home or shelter before there is confirmation that the storm has passed the area.
- If power is lost, keep the refrigerator closed to keep cold air trapped and delay spoilage of perishable food. Turn off major appliances such as the air conditioner and water heater to reduce damage.
- Refrain from charging any wireless device – including mobile and cordless phones, laptops or tablets – by connecting the device's AC adapter to a wall outlet. Wait until the storm is over to charge your device.
- Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn around.
In case there is an evacuation
It’s important to not only know how to prepare for a possible hurricane, but to also be prepared for the possibility of having to evacuate due to a hurricane. That’s why it’s important to #KnowYourZone.
The Know Your Zone program helps coastal Virginia residents determine if they are in an evacuation zone. The link below allows you to look up your zone and contains other emergency preparedness information. http://www.vaemergency.gov/hurricane-evacuation-zone-lookup/
Once you know your zone, if an evacuation order is issued, know where you will go. The best place to evacuate is the safest place closest to home, preferably with family or friends.
Learn more about evacuation routes here.