Emergency Preparedness

Information courtesy of National Hurricane Center.

This scale may be used to estimate the potential property damage and flooding expected along the coast with a hurricane.

Category One
Plane measuring hurricane wind speedWinds 74-95 m.p.h. - No real damage to building structures. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery and trees. Also some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage.

Category Two
Winds 96-110 m.p.h. - Some roofing material, door and window damage to buildings. Considerable damage to vegetation, mobile homes and piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routes flood 2-4 hours before arrival of hurricane's center. Small craft in unprotected anchorages break moorings.

Category Three
Winds 111-130 m.p.h. - Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings with a minor amount of curtainwall failures. Mobile homes are destroyed. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures, with larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain continuously lower than 5 feet above sea level may be flooded inland 8 miles or more.

Category Four
Winds 131-155 m.p.h. - More extensive curtainwall failures with some complete roof structure failure on small residences. Major erosion of beach. Major damage to lower floors of structures near shore. Terrain continuously lower than 10 feet above sea level may be flooded, requiring massive evacuation of residential areas inland as far as 6 miles.

Category Five
Winds greater than 155 m.p.h. - Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 feet above sea level and within 500 yards of shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5-10 miles of shoreline may be required.

Some of the following information is courtesy of "FEMA: Hurricane Background and Preparedness Information."

A hurricane watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours. A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions (winds of 74 miles per hour or greater, or dangerously high water and rough seas) are expected within 24 hours.

During a hurricane watch

•   Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane progress reports.
• Check this Web site for updates from the college administration.
• Check emergency supplies.
• Fuel car.
• Bring in outdoor objects, such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools, and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
• Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows. Remove outside antennae.
• Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely necessary, and close quickly.
• Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles and cooking utensils.
• Review your evacuation plan.

During a hurricane warning

• Listen constantly to a battery-operated radio or television for official instructions.
• If possible, check this Web site for updates from SCAD administration.
• Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.
• Avoid elevators.

Plan an evacuation route. This plan should include information about the safest evacuation routes and nearby shelters. Students should start by reading the closure and evacuation information and the following tips for planning an evacuation route.

Learn safe routes inland
Be ready to drive 20-50 miles inland, at least, to locate a safe place.

Have disaster supplies on hand

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and water
• Non-electric can opener
• Essential medicines
• Cash and credit cards
• Sturdy shoes

Keep in touch
Contact family and friends before you evacuate to let them know of your plans. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contac," in case you need to change your plans once you leave. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.

Be aware that in severe weather and during high volume calling times, such as the evacuation of a large region, cell phones may not be operable. Inform family and friends of your plans in advance.

What to Take
If you are planning to evacuate on a SCAD bus, take only those items that you can carry comfortably and that you can hold on your lap.The evacuation buses will be full. If you will be following the buses in your personal vehicle, bring only items that store safely in the trunk or storage area.

The following is a partial list prepared by student services:

• Change of clothes
• Toiletries
• Pillow and blanket or sleeping bag
• Water and snacks
• Flashlight
• Books

Animals and Pets
Unfortunately, SCAD cannot transport animals or pets aboard buses. Make arrangements in advance to have pets transported to a safe area or facility. Animals will not be allowed in shelter facilities.