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Quick Response

  • Remain calm and ACT—DON’T REACT!
  • Seek refuge away from windows.
  • Call 8888 if assistance is necessary.

Hurricanes

What is a hurricane watch vs. a hurricane warning?
A HURRICANE WATCH means hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours. A HURRICANE WARNING means hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.

Hurricane Preparedness
In the event of a hurricane watch or warning in the Raleigh area, Meredith College will take hurricane preparedness measures including the following:

  • The dining hall and facilities services prepare to provide services in case of severe weather.
  • Residence life staff members review inclement weather procedures and residence directors are equipped with flashlights, cell phones, etc., in order to support students on campus.

Commuter Information: If needed, commuter students can make arrangements to seek shelter on campus during the storm. Commuter students who need to seek safe shelter from their current residence should contact the Residence Director on Duty at (919) 612-6350 to be assigned a temporary space in a Meredith residence hall. Please bring a sleeping bag and/or blanket, a pillow and toiletries.

Preparation Tips

If a hurricane or tropical storm is predicted, Meredith community members can take the following measures prior to the storm’s approach:

  • Check the following resources for forecasting and safety information: wral.com/weatherredcross.org and fema.gov.
  • Register for MC Alert, Meredith’s emergency notification system.
  • Make sure to have cash on hand for food and for minor emergencies, and to have a full tank of gas in your car.
  • Check in with family and friends, as well as the campus community, to apprise them of your safety and whereabouts.
  • Stock up on emergency supplies in advance can add to your safety and comfort during and after a hurricane. Store enough supplies for at least three days, preferably seven days, in one place.

Essentials include:

  • First aid kit and essential medication (including prescription medicines);
  • Canned food;
  • At least three gallons of water per person;
  • Protective clothing, rainwear and bedding or sleeping bags;
  • Battery-powered radio;
  •  Flashlights;
  •  and extra batteries.

Visit ready.gov for guidance on creating an emergency supply kit.

During a hurricane:

  • Move away from open doors and windows and move into an interior hallway.
  • Do not use electrical equipment or phones.
  • Do not use elevators.
  • Go to the first floor of the building.
  • Take shelter.
  • Sit on the floor and put your head in your lap. Cover head with arms.
  • Remain calm. 

Commuter Information: If needed, commuter students can make arrangements to seek shelter on campus during the storm. Commuter students who need to seek safe shelter from their current residence should contact the Residence Director on Duty at (919) 612-6350 to be assigned a temporary space in a Meredith residence hall. Please bring a sleeping bag and/or blanket, a pillow and toiletries.

Tornado

  • Move away from open doors and windows and move into an interior hallway.
  • Do not use electrical equipment or phones.
  • Do not use elevators.
  • Go to the first floor of the building.
  • Take shelter.
  • Sit on the floor and put your head in your lap. Cover head with arms.
  • Remain calm.

Earthquake

  • Stay inside.
  • Watch out for falling objects.
  • Crawl under a table or desk or stand in a doorway and hang onto something.
  • Do not use open flame.
  • Do not use phones or elevators.
  • Remain calm and be prepared for aftershocks.
  • If evacuation is ordered, proceed to the designated assembly area., 

Contact Information
Ann Gleason, chair of Meredith’s Incident Response Team
(919) 760-8521
gleasona@meredith.edu