Hurricane Response Plan

Faculty and Staff

Seventy-two Hours
72 hours prior to the expected hurricane strike on the Newport News area, the President will inform the University students, faculty, staff and the media of the decision to begin preparation for evacuation and closing of the campus.

Upon notification of a hurricane, all University personnel should attempt to accomplish the following:

1. Completely clear desktops of paper and other articles.
2. Protect books, valuable papers and equipment by covering with plastic sheeting and securing with masking tape.
3. Where necessary and possible, move desks, file cabinets, etc., away from windows.
4. Close and latch both windows and doors, and close all drapes and Venetian blinds.
5. Turn off and disconnect all electrical equipment.
6. Clear any laboratory tables and areas of all possible apparatus and glassware and place the items in a protected location.
7. Where applicable, provide for the necessary care and feeding of all animals.
8. Individual computer users should take precautionary measures to backup their own local data. IT Services will take complete backups of data on the University's enterprise servers. These tapes will be taken off‑site for safekeeping. This copy is in addition to the normal nightly backup of all data structures. All computer equipment in University departments should be unplugged (power) from the wall and data lines should also be disconnected from the wall. Prior to disconnecting the equipment, cables and plugs should be labeled for ease in re‑cabling when the emergency is past.
9. Fuel and park all state vehicles in parking Lot “N” and deliver keys to the University Police Department, 340 Prince Drew Road.
10. Plant Operations will begin stocking supplies in preparation for converting the Police building and McMurran Hall into command and recovery centers.
11. The Office of Communications and Public Relations will begin issuing regular updates on the web page.

Twenty-Four Hours
24 hours later (or as directed by the Governor), the University will evacuate all students, faculty and staff. Those students that cannot return home will be housed with a “buddy” from the University or transported to a community emergency shelter.

An Emergency Command Center will be established in University Police building. The Center will be stocked with emergency supplies, such as flashlights, batteries, water, radios, non-perishable food and first-aid supplies.

A Recovery Center will be set up in McMurran Hall and will also be stocked with emergency supplies. This will be the primary operating site after the storm  for IT Services and “essential personnel.”

After the Storm
All “essential personnel” are expected to return immediately upon the storm's passing to assess damages and begin cleanup of their area. They will convene in the Recovery Center to create a plan for restoring the University to working order.

Resumption of Services
The Emergency Management Team will notify the President when conditions on the campus are safe for the students, faculty and staff to return. The President will issue necessary directions and instructions concerning the resumption of classes and the use of University buildings and facilities. Communications and Public Relations will notify the media and update the University’s web site and main phone number.