Programs

Severe Weather Awareness Week

Be Prepared!

USF Emergency Management joins the National Weather Service and Florida Division of Emergency Management with participation in Severe Weather Awareness Week from February 06-10, 2023. Severe Weather Awareness week serves to educate the community on potential severe weather impacts in Florida.

More information on Severe Weather hazards and ways you can prepare can be found by visiting the USF Emergency Management Hazards page or the Florida Division of Emergency Management Severe Weather Awareness Week page.

Severe Weather Awareness Week

MONDAY - LIGHTNING

lightning

  • If you hear thunder, go indoors,
  • Stay inside for at least 30 minutes after thunder stops.
  • If you are outside in a storm, do not use trees for cover 

 

TUESDAY - MARINE HAZARDS

marine

  • Before boating, check forecasts well ahead of time.
  • Be sure everyone is wearing a life jacket, and have a VHF marine band radio on board.
  • Never swim against a rip current. To escape the current, swim parallel to the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle toward the shore.

 

WEDNESDAY - TORNADOES AND THUNDERSTORMS

tornadoes

  • Have a family emergency plan that includes where to go if a tornado threatens.
  • During a tornado, go to an interior room without windows, and if possible, on the lowest floor of the building.
  • Never stay in an automobile.

 

 Thursday - Hurricanes and Flooding

hurricanes

  • Have a family emergency kit, and a plan that includes where you will go if you evacuate.
  • If a flood occurs, move to higher ground immediately.
  • Stay away from flooded roads. Turn around; don’t drown.
  • Review the USF Hurricane Guide. 

 

Friday - Temperature and Wildfires

wildfires

  • In hot weather, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, and drink plenty of water.

  • In cold weather, protect people, pets, plants and pipes.
  • When wildfire conditions exist, take steps to minimize potential damage to your home, such as removing pine needles and dry leaves within 5 feet of the structure.