TO: All UF Faculty, Staff and Students
FROM: UF Police Chief and Assistant Vice President of Public and Environment Safety, Linda J. Stump-Kurnick
RE: Severe Weather Guidance
With a tropical weather system approaching the state of Florida this week, our top priorities are the safety and welfare of our students, faculty and staff in our community.
We encourage everyone to take the necessary precautions in advance of the forecast. At this time, the university will be maintaining a normal schedule, but if the conditions warrant changes, we will keep everyone informed. The university community is also urged to monitor media reports.
INFORMATION SOURCES
- In addition to posting on the UF homepage, which should be the main resource for the latest information, and UF Alert, university officials will provide updates through the social media platforms of Twitter @UF, @UFPublicSafety and Facebook.
- Frequently monitor local media (WRUF-TV [Cox Cable Channel 6], 89.1 FM, 103.7 FM and 850 AM) for storm updates and information from local officials.
- Updated weather briefings are available from National Weather Service (NWS)-Jacksonville: https://www.weather.gov/media/jax/briefings/nws-jax-briefing.pdf
- Information will be updated daily on UF’s Rumor Control Line: 1-866-UF-FACTS.
- Please download the UF GATORSAFE safety mobile app for additional information (iOS App Store / Google Play).
- Updates from the UF Weather Center are available at ufweather.org. Statewide information from the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network is available on the mobile app Florida Storms.
UF and surrounding areas can experience several types of severe weather during different seasons of the year, and it’s important to understand what the forecast holds for North Central Florida over the next few days.
If the area is impacted by sustained tropical storm force winds, the university will take appropriate steps to determine if normal operations need to be altered. The university also encourages all students, faculty and staff to prepare for the possible storm at home by taking the following actions:
BEFORE THE STORM
- Ensure storm supply kit is stocked – checklist: https://emergency.ufl.edu/preparedness/build-your-disaster-kit/
- Fuel vehicle
- Inform family and friends of the plan, especially if sheltering in a different location than usual
- Remove or secure outside items such as potted plants, grills and lawn furniture
DURING THE STORM
- Stay indoors and do not travel during the storm
- If winds become strong, stay away from doors and windows. Take refuge in an interior room, closet or hallway
- Do NOT use candles, which can increase fire risk
- Understand that emergency services and scheduled bus routes might not be able to respond or operate during the storm
- Be mindful of the potential for flooding, and always avoid driving through flooded roadways. Turn around, don’t drown.