Florida’s hurricane season lasts from June 1st through November 30th, and UCF’s hurricane policies and procedures are summarized below.
The National Hurricane Center warns that some part of Florida is threatened by a hurricane or tropical storm each year, and the center provides information about hurricanes and other severe weather at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/. During any threatening weather, UCF’s Office of Emergency Management monitors this site and sends official weather reports to all vice presidents, deans, regional campus directors, and to UCF President.
If a serious storm or hurricane threatens our region, the Governor and UCF President have the authority to cancel classes or close campuses, and they do so in consultation with other area colleges, school districts, and government offices. If they cancel classes or close the university, UCF News and Information will disseminate details to local TV and radio outlets, including WUCF radio 89.9 FM, and they will post this information on the UCF home page at http://www.ucf.edu. Additionally, a list of other media outlets and hurricane resources is available at http://emergency.ucf.edu/hurricanes.html.
When it is necessary – as it was during Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Jeanne in 2004 – UCF enacts its Emergency Plan, coordinated by William Merck, Vice President for Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Storm closings typically require UCF to open campus shelters for resident students, essential-operations staff members, and their families. Jeff Morgan, Director of Emergency Management, will establish an Emergency Operations Center to coordinate mission critical services such as security, utilities, dining services, and shelter support. Details of our Emergency Plan are posted on the Office of Emergency Management Website at http://emergency.ucf.edu/plans.html. Updates about information for residents will be on the front page of the UCF Housing and Residence Life website.
While we hope to escape hurricanes this season, we are wise to prepare well and to educate ourselves in case an emergency occurs. Please do your part to keep the UCF community safe.