/Institutions/Baptist-University-of-Florida/json/2025-2026/Student-Handbook-local.json

/Institutions/Baptist-University-of-Florida/json/2025-2026/Student-Handbook.json

Hurricane Protocol

The Director of Campus Safety is responsible for monitoring the development of hurricanes and advising the President on the likelihood that a storm with dangerous winds will impact the main campus.

• TROPICAL STORM: Winds in excess of 39 MPH are expected.
• HURRICANE WATCH: Hurricane conditions (sustained winds in excess of 74 MPH) are possible in the specified area, usually within 36 hours.
• HURRICANE WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area, usually within 24 hours.

 

DECISION TO CLOSE

The decision to close the university will be based upon the projection of a threatening situation. Bulletins issued by the National Hurricane Center and the Jackson County Office of Emergency Management will be considered in determining the implementation of emergency procedures. The President may close the university depending on local conditions. Once the order to close the university has been issued, the Maintenance Department will be placing trash cans inside, securing buildings, and doing other duties related to storm preparation.

 

DECISION TO EVACUATE THE CAMPUS
The decision to evacuate the campus will be made by the President or his designated representative based upon the size of the hurricane and the proximity to the campus with which it is expected to make landfall.

If the decision to evacuate the campus is made, students should contact their families and inform them of the requirements to evacuate. Students should inform the individual responsible for their area (see Appendix B) as to their evacuation plans. Every effort will be made by the university to assist the students in relocating, but students should be aware that they should not rely exclusively upon the university, as personnel will be involved in safeguarding university records and property. In the event that a student is completely without means to leave, the Executive Director of Student Life will work with local agencies to find adequate shelter. Non-essential personnel should no longer be present on the campus during this phase of preparation.

 

POST STORM RECOVERY

Authorized university personnel will conduct damage assessment and debris removal during the first daylight hours following the cessation of storm winds. Employees not authorized to be on the campus during this damage assessment should monitor local media sources for information about re-opening. Upon returning to the university, employees are to reverse preparations completed during the Hurricane Watch. Report damage or requests for assistance to the Director of Safety/Plant Operations.