Hurricane

Unlike other natural disasters, a hurricane is usually preceded by hours or days of fore notice and warning, allowing you to prepare.

Before the Hurricane

• Stay informed. Pay attention to announcements from university administrators, and visit www.hurricanes.gov for hurricane information.
• Bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
• Suspend or shut down laboratory experiments. All chemicals used in an active experiment should be closed and returned to their normal storage location such as flammable storage cabinet, ventilated cabinet, refrigerator, or hazardous waste storage area.
• Shut down and unplug computers and sensitive equipment.
• In flood prone areas (basements), move valuable items and documents to table tops, away from windows, to prevent damage in the event of local flooding.
• Refresh your emergency kit with fresh batteries, flashlight, important medications, drinking water, and snacks.
• BE PREPARED to evacuate if instructed to do so. (The decision to evacuate from campus will be based upon the severity of the hurricane).
• IF INSTRUCTED to evacuate, see “EVACUATION” section of this guide.

During the Hurricane

• Listen to the radio or TV for information, and visit www.tufts.edu.
• Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
• Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
• Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again.
• AVOID being underneath heavier objects such as lights, wall hangings and other items, which may fall.
• Do not use matches, candles or lighters.
• Avoid elevators.
• REMAIN INSIDE until the hurricane has passed or cleared to leave.
• HELP DIRECT people with special needs to a safe place, if necessary.

After the Hurricane

• STAY ALERT for extended rainfall even after the hurricane has ended.
• MINIMIZE TRAVEL. Drive only if absolutely necessary and AVOID flooded roads and washed out bridges.
• STAY OFF the streets. Go outdoors only if absolutely necessary and WATCH for fallen objects; downed electrical wires; and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks.
• KEEP AWAY from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the University Police.
• DO NOT ENTER any building that is deemed or looks UNSAFE.