Weather Preparedness
Weather Advisory
University Housing, University Dining, and Campus Police will continue to remain operational regardless of the weather. If hazardous weather conditions force NC State to operate under the Adverse Weather Policy, there are many ways that students, faculty, and staff can obtain timely, accurate information about delayed openings, closings, class cancellations, Wolfline bus schedules, or other changes in the University's normal operations.
Winter Weather Information
- Monitor local media outlets for current weather information.
- Watch for Adverse Weather information from the University.
- During inclement winter weather, the University community works to clear roads and sidewalks, however, you should still beware of ice and slippery surfaces when walking around campus.
- Contact your RA, CD, RD, or your Service Desk if problems/issues arise.
- Call Campus Police at 911 if you have a campus emergency.
- If you are planning to travel via air, bus or train, call ahead to confirm status prior to departure.
Hurricane Information
Campus officials closely monitor forecasts during hurricane season and are in direct contact with National Weather Service representatives.
Residence hall and apartment staffs will forward information about additional safety measures and will direct residents to safe areas as needed.
Tornado Information
There are two types of alerts connected with tornadoes:
- A Tornado Watch means that conditions are right for a tornado to form and area residents should continue to monitor weather for further developments and be prepared to take cover.
- A Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted on the ground and residents should immediately take cover.
Tornadoes are often preceded by gusty winds, hail, and a roaring sound similar to that of a locomotive or jet engine.
What to do during a Hurricane or Tornado
Close all doors behind you as you move toward the center of the building. Move to the appropriate location:
- Alexander, Owen, Tucker, Turlington - floor hallways
- Avent Ferry and North - bathrooms
- Bagwell, Becton, Berry, Gold, Syme, Watauga, Welch - floor hallways
- Bowen, Carroll, Metcalf - suite hallways and center elevator corridors
- Lee, Sullivan, Bragaw - suite hallway; residents should cover themselves with blankets or sheets
- Wood - suite hallways
- Wolf Village - apartment bathrooms and hallways
- ES King Village - apartment bathrooms
- Western Manor Apartments - apartment bathrooms
Lie face down with knees drawn under you and cover your head with your arms. Wait for further instructions and take the following actions:
- Stay away from windows and glass doors.
- Remain quiet so that you can hear instructions given by staff.
- Remain inside until Campus Police, Wake County Emergency Management, local law enforcement, or hall staff give the “all clear” notice.
- If advised to evacuate, do so immediately! You will need to follow instructions from University and hall staff in the event of an evacuation.
- If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lower floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.
- Residents should evacuate large lounge areas and large rooms.
- Do not walk in, play in, or drive through flooded areas. Floodwater contains hidden hazards and may be deeper and faster moving than it appears. Wear sturdy shoes (e.g. sneakers) at all times. Remember to take your student ID with you.
- Stay away from downed power lines.
- Keep telephone numbers of family and other contacts with you.
- If major roads are closed or clogged, you may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes.
- Evacuation instructions are broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations. Most local TV stations will also do live broadcasts on radio stations, as well.
- If you are outside, move quickly inside to a sturdy building. Go to the basement if one is available, or stay on a lower floor.
- If a building is not available, lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
- If you are in a car, get out of your car and head for safety.
Power Outage Information
Power outages are not uncommon as a result of storms or power equipment malfunction. During power outages all Housing and University rules and policies remain in effect. Below is a list of what to expect during a power outage:
- Emergency lighting powered by a backup generator will activate.
- The fire system is on a backup generator and will continue to function.
- The University emergency two-way radios are on a backup generator and will continue to function
- Elevators should descend to the first floor and open.
- Electronic door access system will continue to function.
- Heating and air conditioning will shut down. The buildings should maintain their temperature depending upon outside weather conditions.
- The building water heater will not continue to function.
- If meal times are affected by the power outage, University Dining will continue to operate with a modified menu.
- Candles and other open flames/flares are not permitted during a power outage.
Emergency Checklist
It is important that you prepare for emergency situations. University Housing encourages you to create an emergency supply kit with the following items:
- Day supply of water
- First aid kit, band-aids, gauze
- Rubbing alcohol, antibiotic ointment, hand sanitizer, moist towelettes
- Aspirin, non-aspirin pain reliever, antacid
- Extra prescription medication, especially for heart problems and diabetes. (Ask your physician how to store prescription medication in the event of a power outage).
- Toilet paper, towels, soap, shampoo
- Personal and feminine hygiene products
- Contact lenses and eyeglasses
- Sun protection, insect repellent
- Battery-operated radio, flashlights, non-electric can opener
- Extra batteries
- One or two absorbent towels, plastic trash bags
- Wind-up or battery-operated clock
- Aluminum foil, paper napkins and plates, plastic cups, plastic ware
- Pillow, sheets, blankets or sleeping bag
Additional Information
- Generally, 24-Hour Service Desks will be staffed by University Housing personnel. during emergencies.
- In the event of fire alarm activation, exit the building immediately. University Housing staff will direct you to safe locations. Failure to exit the building during the alarm activation will result in documentation and disciplinary action.
- All Housing and University policies remain in effect during advisories, outages, and emergencies.
- Call your parents/family/significant others prior to a predicted emergency situation. Let them know your location and plans. You can also direct them to University-related websites for updated information. It is also good to reassure family when the emergency clears. Note that it may be difficult to access outside lines via landline or cell phone due to poor reception.
- If you decide to go home or to a friend’s house, inform your roommate/apartment mates, or RA of your location and contact information.
- Make sure you put any important paperwork, e.g. birth certificate, passport, etc., and valuables in a safe location or keep them on your person.
- If you are planning to travel via air, bus or train, call ahead to confirm status prior to departure.