1.16.4 Natural Disaster

Purpose

1. To set forth guidelines for both precautionary and protective measures to be taken when natural disasters threaten the University community. These weather related emergencies include disasters such as hurricanes, tornados, thunderstorms, flash floods, and the occasional hard freeze.

Responsibility

1. It is the responsibility of the President of McNeese State University to coordinate the overall response of the University community during the time associated with a natural disaster. It is, however, the responsibility of all University faculty, staff, and students to work cooperatively with the President and his staff to maximize execution and response time during the activation of this plan. Faculty, staff, and students should follow all directives issued by law enforcement and/or emergency preparedness personnel.

Hurricane

1. Logistical Operation
   1.   The President of the University, after consultation with state and local officials, along with members of the University staff, will determine if and when the University will officially dismiss class and close the University.
      1.   The media will be advised to notify the University community in the event a mandatory evacuation directive is issued.
      2.   University police will be called upon to assist in instructing faculty, staff, and students in evacuation procedures.
2.   Crisis Response Team
   1.   University President
      1.   Coordinates overall response
   2.   Vice President for Academic Affairs
      1.   Assists University President in execution of response plan
   3.   Vice President Student Affairs
      1.   Designates shelter sites to be used by McNeese students
      2.   Insures adequate medical and law enforcement support is available
      3.   Coordinates transfer of students from residence halls to shelters
      4.   Establishes supervision for students
      5.   Coordinates delivery of food and water to students during crisis
   4.   Vice President of Business Affairs
      1.   Aids in provision of items necessary to survive crisis
      2.   Arranges for purchase and preparation of food and water for students and support personnel housed in on-campus shelters
   5.   Director Of Facilities and Planning
      1.   Provides logistical and maintenance support needed, as well as communication system
   6.   Environmental, Health, Safety and Hazardous Waste Officer
      1.   Serves as liaison between University officials and support personnel for students
   7.   Purchasing Agent
      1.   Purchase items needed for protection of University buildings and property
   8.   Campus Dining Service
      1.   Disperse food and drink to evacuees and staff members on duty
   9.   Faculty, Staff, Students
      1.   Expected to work cooperatively with Crisis Team and emergency personnel to execute the activation of response plan
3.   Shelter Information
   1.   For 12-month resident students unable to comply with a mandatory evacuation directive, a shelter will be established in the Intramurals/Recreation Complex.
   2.   Evacuees shall be sheltered until the crisis is over and an “all clear” notice is issued.
   3.   University medical and law enforcement personnel shall be housed in the Intramurals/Recreation Complex to provide support services.

Other Weather Emergencies

1. Tornado
   1.   Take immediate cover in nearest major building
      1.   Seek shelter in an inside corridor or room
      2.   Stay away from windows and glass doors
   2.   Provide the following information:
   3.   Upon exiting safe area, personal safety is of utmost importance
      1.   Report any structural damage, downed power lines, odd odors, etc. to University Police
2.   Thunderstorm
   1.   Take immediate cover in the nearest building
   2.   Do not shelter underneath trees or in open structures
   3.   Avoid usage of telephone.
   4.   Stay away from windows and glass doors
   5.   Wait for the thunderstorm to pass before leaving the building
      1.   Report any visible damage to University Police
3.   Flash Flood
   1.   Take immediate cover in nearest building
   2.   Wait until flooding subsides before leaving building
   3.   If stranded inside a vehicle, remain inside the vehicle until flooding subsides
   4.   Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas or areas known to hold deep water
4.   Hard Freeze
   1.   Remain inside
   2.   Seek areas of warmth
   3.   Do not use gas oven or stove as heating source since these can produce carbon monoxide fumes
   4.   Do not burn products in trash cans in an attempt to generate heat
   5.   Do not drive during freezing rain, sleet, snow unless an emergency condition exists

Advisories

1.   In all weather related emergencies, tune in to a local radio or television station for public advisories.
2.   Follow all directives issued by law enforcement personnel and/or emergency preparedness personnel.