Preparation Should Start Before A Storm
This information was prepared by the Facilities Emergency Team to help protect you, the College, and College property. The best way to reduce the devastation of a hurricane is to be prepared. We need your help to ensure that PSC is as safe as possible.
The Facilities Department monitors all tropical disturbances in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. You can find out whether the College is closed by checking the PSC website at www.polk.edu or calling (863) 297-1000.
Hurricane Preparations: Stage 1
When a hurricane seems to be headed in our direction, PSC begins making preparations for the safety and security of students, employees, and College property. You should also be thinking about how you will secure your work area and your home if the hurricane strikes.
Employees will receive plastic garbage bags from Facilities for covering computers, other electronic equipment, and any office and lab equipment that needs protection from water damage.
You will see maintenance workers preparing the campus for the hurricane. Storm drains are cleared of debris to assure the flow of run-off water from campus parking lots. Tree branches are trimmed to help prevent damage to buildings. Emergency equipment, such as barricades, police barrier line tape, safety cones, generators, power tools, first aid equipment, plastic sheeting, and plywood, is inventoried and made ready for use. College vehicles, gasoline and other supplies are made ready for use.
At home, you should make sure you have a good supply of water, non-perishable food, and batteries for your radio (preferably a NOAA weather radio). Know where shelters are located in case you have to leave your home. (You can get shelter information by calling the Polk County’s Citizen’s Information Line at 863-401-2234. PSC is not a designated evacuation shelter and is not equipped to handle emergencies associated with a hurricane.
Hurricane Preparations: Stage 2
When a hurricane strike seems imminent, PSC’s President will announce that the College is officially closing, and students and employees will be sent home. The only employees permitted to remain on campus are those needed to help secure the College and College property. Once the College is secure, only security personnel will remain on campus.
Employees will be notified about the closing through your PSC email and Provost and department call-down lists. Students will be notified about the closing through your their PSC email. A closing announcement will be recorded for the college phone at (863) 297-1000, and an announcement will be placed on the PSC website (www.polk.edu). Newspapers and television and radio stations will be notified.
Employees: Before leaving the College, you should:
ü Know who and where to call after the storm and before returning to work. Make arrangements in advance with your Department Head to ensure that all Department members follow the same plan.
ü Close and lock all office and classroom windows in your area.
ü Turn off all electrical appliances, including office machines, computers, and coffee pots.
ü Cover all computers, printers, typewriters, adding machines, televisions, VCR’s, etc. with plastic bags provided by facilities department. If possible, move this equipment away from windows and to high counters. If you are not able to cover your equipment, call facilities at extension 5059.
ü Lock any file cabinets, desk drawers, and storage closets in your area that contain important items.
ü Place items subject to flood damage as high as possible, such as on counters, shelves, or desks.
ü Remove items from window sills and away from windows.
ü Lock all office, break room, and classroom doors in your area.
ü To prevent spoilage in case of a loss of power, remove all items from refrigerators.
During the Storm
Tune in to local stations to monitor the local news and weather. PSC will issues press releases announcing our operating status to The Ledger, the News Chief, and to the following local radio and TV stations:
You can also check information on the National Weather Center, the National Hurricane Center, Florida's Emergency Operations and The Ledger's Hurricane websites.
After the Storm
Do not return to PSC while the college is closed. If you are an essential employee, you will need to check in with PSC security for instructions.
Barricades may be placed around campus entrances, parking lots, and buildings. Only authorized personnel will be allowed to cross these barricades. Please respect these barricades, which are erected for your protection.
Once the storm has passed, the Facilities Emergency Team will assess the campus and make a danger report to the President and other members of the Emergency Coordination Team. PSC will not reopen until college property is deemed safe.
Also check the Storm Aftermath web page on PSC's website.
Returning to PSC
News media will be notified when PSC reopens after the hurricane. Employees will be notified through email and Provost and department call lists. For the latest information, call the college for a recorded announcement at (863) 297-1000, or check the PSC website at www.polk.edu.