Weather-Related Emergencies

Winter Weather Advisory

A University weather advisory will be issued when conditions are such that some employees and students could experience difficulty getting to and from the University and/or classes. However, the majority of employees and students would be able to maintain their normal schedule. During an advisory, classes will not be canceled and the University will continue to operate on a normal schedule of classes and work operations.

Check www.ncsu.edu for up-to-date information on University closings and delays.
Beware of ice and slippery surfaces when walking around campusl.
Contact your RA, RD, or your Service Desk, if problems arise.
Call Campus Police at 911 from a campus phone or (919) 515-3000 from a cell phone, if you have an emergency.

Hurricane Information

Campus officials closely monitor forecasts during hurricane season and are in direct contact with National Weather Service representatives. University Housing, University Dining, and Campus Police services 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, or other changes in the University's normal operations:

Click on the University's homepage, to find Adverse Weather Policy advisories, which are posted within 15 minutes of official notification. If you don't see an Adverse Weather link when you open the page, hit your "refresh" button.
You can also get the information by calling the University's emergency call-in line at (919) 513-8888. Updated messages are recorded within minutes of official notification.
Information is disseminated through more than 20 local media outlets and is also broadcast in banner format on cable television. Television and radio stations are contacted within minutes of official notification. However, due to the large volume of weather closings or delays the stations receive, there may be a significant delay - sometimes more than an hour - between when they are notified and when the information is on the air or on their web sites. If you leave your home for campus before 7 a.m., you should check the University homepage or call (919) 513-8888 before leaving. The Adverse Weather Policy advisory is available on the University homepage or call-in line earlier than it is on local TV and radio stations.
Emergency broadcast messages are distributed to all Unity and GroupWise users. These are given "Priority 1" status and should arrive in your e-mailboxes within 1-2 hours of notification.

To learn more about the Adverse Weather Policy, click here.

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 take immediate action to take cover.

Tornadoes are often preceded by gusty winds, hail, and a roaring sound similar to that of a locomotive or jet engine. If you see a tornado, and it looks like it is not moving, it may be headed straight at you.

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
Bowen, Carroll, Metcalf - suite hallways and center elevator corridors
Lee, Sullivan, Bragaw - suite hallway with suite-door glass covered; residents should cover themselves with blankets or sheets
Wood - suite hallways
Avent Ferry and North – bathrooms
Bagwell, Becton, Berry, Gold, Syme, Watauga, Welch – floor hallways
Wolf Village – apartment bathrooms and hallways
ES King Village – apartment bathrooms
Western Manor Apartments - bathrooms on the lowest floor

Lie face down with knees drawn under you and cover your head with your arms. Wait for further instructions and:

Stay away from windows and glass doors.
Remain quiet so that you can hear instructions given by staff.
Remain indoors until Campus Police, Wake County Emergency Management, local law enforcement, or hall staff gives the “all clear” notice.
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.
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 (e.g. Mix 101.5 FM).
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.
If you are outside, move quickly inside to a sturdy building. 0G0o 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 when storms occur. 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 in the hallways powered by a backup generator will activate.
The fire system is on a backup generator and will continue to function.
The University walkie-talkies 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 hot 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.

Emergency Item Checklist

It is important that you prepare for emergency situations. University Housing encourages you to have the following emergency supplies on hand:

Day supply of water
First aid kit, band-aids, gauze
Rubbing alcohol, antibiotic ointment, 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

Other Supplies

Battery-operated radio, flashlights, non-electric can opener
Extra batteries
Plenty of absorbent towels, plastic trash bags
Wind-up or battery-operated clock
Aluminum foil, paper napkins and plates, plastic cups, plasticware
Pillow, sheets, blankets or sleeping bag
Hand sanitizer

Important Information

Generally, 24-hour Service Desks will be open during emergencies and staffed by University Housing personnel.
In the event of fire alarm activation, you need to exit the building. University Housing staff will direct you to safe locations.
Candles are NOT permitted during a power outage.
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. However, it may be difficult to access outside lines via landline or cell phone reception.
If you decide to go home or to a friend’s house, inform your 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.