Emergency Response Plans

Residence Hall Plan: Hurricane

Annex: Hurricane Response Plan

Department: Residence Life

Departmental Emergency Contact: Winthrop University Police Department

A. Purpose:

The purpose of this plan is to establish the policy and procedures to be followed in the event of a hurricane watch or hurricane warning threatening the Winthrop campus.

B. Priorities:

In the event of a hurricane watch, the Residence Life staff will prepare for a possible hurricane warning.

In the event of a hurricane warning, the Residence Life staff will direct students to prepare for the possibility of a hurricane striking the campus.

C. Expectations for Employees and Students:

In the event of a hurricane watch the Residence Life staff will:

  1. Gather radios, keys, and flashlights.
  2. Activate the Residence Life "Crisis Communication Plan."
  3. Post signs in the residence hall lobby and on floors informing students of the hurricane watch.
  4. Remain alert to changing weather conditions.
  5. Respond according to the information provided by the Winthrop University Police Department and the ALERTUS Emergency System.

In the event of a hurricane warning the Residence Life staff will instruct students to:

  1. Move all furniture, including beds, away from windows. Electrical appliances should be off the floor, preferably in a closet.
  2. All loose objects should be placed in drawers or closets.
  3. Close all windows tightly, raise blinds, and close all curtains or drapes.
  4. Those students who reside in residence halls that have bathtubs, are requested to clean the tub and fill it half full of water. The water in the tubs may be needed for washing and flushing toilets if the water supply is cut off. Fill smaller containers with water for drinking purposes.
  5. Await further orders from the Winthrop University Police Department or the ALERTUS Emergency System.

D. Communications:

Immediate communications will be made through the ALERTUS or WU Alert notification systems whenever possible. Other notification systems may be employed as well.

The Residence Life "Crisis Communication Plan" will be activated.

Residence Life, 803/323-2223

E. Responsibility and Control:

Residence Life staff will have control of the students in the residence halls. Once an emergency responder arrives on scene, control will shift and Residence Life staff will assist as directed.

F. Emergency and Training Plans:

Review and be familiar with the Residence Life sheltering areas appropriate for earthquakes, "Building Evacuation Plan" and "Crisis Communication Plan."