USF World News

Hurricane Information

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With tropical storms and hurricanes frequently threatening southeast United States, the University of South Florida plans for emergencies of this type and keeping your safety and that of the campus community our priority. University leaders track storms closely and making appropriate preparations for campus. Hurricanes are difficult to predict, so it is too early to determine what path the storm will take and what our exact response will need to be. As the storm path becomes more refined, we will provide more specific information. In the meantime, here are a few important items that may answer some of your questions and concerns.

School Closures
In accordance with county recommendations, USF may close campuses and enact emergency protocols. We will keep all students up to date with instructions if needed. Please check in with your family in your home country during a storm, and follow all safety precautions given by emergency personnel.

Evacuation
In the event that the campus needs to evacuate, we will encourage all students to go home, if possible, and take friends with them. However, if you do not have a place to go, the university will provide residential students with transportation to a local shelter. We will communicate meeting points for the buses to pick you up. For those of you who live off campus, start identifying your evacuation plan now. If you do evacuate be sure to secure your property. Remember to lock apartment doors and secure valuables that are being left behind.

What You Can Do Now

  • Communicate with your family members and make a plan for continued communication.
  • Start Preparations: It is always a good idea to have flashlights, medications, extra food and water, and any important papers prepared in case you have to ride out the storm or evacuate. Do not forget to make plans for your pets, too. For more information on how to prepare, visit the USF Emergency Management Hurricane webpage: https://www.usf.edu/administrative-services/emergency-management/hazards/hurricane.aspx
  • Go to OASIS and confirm and update your emergency contact information.
  • Continue to monitor www.usf.edu and the official USF social media sites for more information. (www.facebook.com/USouthFlorida).

Other Impacts
We know that even if Tampa Bay is not impacted, many of you may have family that live in areas that may be impacted. Please contact the Dean of Students office if you are in need of additional supports.

USF will continue to actively monitor and assess the situation over the next few days. We are ready to enact our emergency management plans as needed. At this time all classes, events, and clinical activities are operating on a regular schedule.
We will continue communicating any updates or changes as needed.

For more information about the university's emergency management plans, visit www.usf.edu/emergencymanagement. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact the Dean of Students Office at deanofstudents@usf.edu or 813-974-5899.