Hurricanes are slow moving, severe storms with high winds that originate in the Caribbean and the tropical Atlantic. Hurricane season lasts from June to November. Hurricanes are monitored by satellite and advisories are usually issued well in advance. A hurricane watch is issued when hurricane conditions pose a threat to an area within 24 hours. A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours; in this case, low-lying areas are usually evacuated.
When a hurricane watch is issued –
• Ensure that staff members are aware of hurricane evacuation zones and routes and stay tuned to NOAA, the National Hurricane Center, the Weather Channel, or the local television news channels.
• Make sure all calling trees and group texts are up to date
• Ensure that flashlights and fresh batteries are available.
• Ensure that battery powered radios with weather band (and fresh batteries) are available.
• Ensure that auxiliary sources of electricity are in working order (e.g., generators).
• If the storm is predicted to be very severe and/or the building is in a low-lying area, relocate collections to a safer building or other location (plan ahead for transportation and provision of security) Move archives from the bottom shelves.
When a hurricane warning is issued –
Employees are responsible for moving equipment and records in their areas to safe locations.
Move collections to an interior location away from windows, with valuable collections taking first priority.
• Unplug computers and remove from the floor.
• Back up your desktop hard drives and take home any external hard drive, OneDrive, or a USB drives for safe keeping
• All electronic equipment should be unplugged with the exception of telephones.
Hurricane
Hurricanes are slow moving, severe storms with high winds that originate in the Caribbean and the tropical Atlantic. Hurricane season lasts from June to November. Hurricanes are monitored by satellite and advisories are usually issued well in advance. A hurricane watch is issued when hurricane conditions pose a threat to an area within 24 hours. A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours; in this case, low-lying areas are usually evacuated.
Preventive actions to reduce the risk of hurricane damage –
• Put together a disaster kit in case staff members must remain in the building during the storm (flashlights, radio with weather band, batteries, first aid kit, etc.). We have these supplies. Check all items every six months and replace any expired items.
• The ATC windows are protected by a 3m Window Film so no board up of windows is required.
Actions during the storm:
Employees living in coastal low elevation areas may be impacted by voluntary or mandatory evacuations. Employees must contact their supervisor to discuss work options, expectations, and requirements. Employees living in coastal low elevation areas may be impacted by voluntary or mandatory evacuations. Employees must contact their supervisor to discuss work options, expectations, and requirements. Please either text the Library Director via Library Group Text or directly.