Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ 2006 Hurricane Season Communications Protocol

June 10, 2006

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ 2006 Hurricane Season Communications Protocol

To: Members of the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ community:

The 2006 Hurricane is under way and Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ is regularly monitoring weather forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and other weather outlets for any possible tropical developments between now and the end of the hurricane season on November 30.

In the event a tropical system or hurricane develops with a projected track in proximity to the Valdosta and surrounding areas, the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ web page will post an advisory as soon as possible with periodic updates and the Hurricane Center's projected 3 to 5 day or sooner path.

Every storm and every situation may be different as to the impact on the Valdosta area and the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ campus and community. The timing of the arrival of any storm, whether during a holiday, weekend or regular work week will certainly determine the proper course of action as well as will the forecasted impact and severity of the storm. Evaluations will be made on a constant basis concerning campus operations. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ will be in communication with local, state and federal emergency officials to monitor the latest weather and public safety information.

As a general rule, the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ campus is never closed, especially during the regular school year when more than 2000 students reside within campus housing. Even when classes might be cancelled due to weather or other conditions Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ will be maintaining campus services unless otherwise indicated. This will require "designated Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ personnel" to be on duty under most circumstances or unless otherwise advised.

Communication regarding the status of Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ operations will be done primarily through the main university web page and email. News media outlets will also be utilized if there is any change in campus operations. In the event of the loss of electrical power on campus, every effort will be made to communicate through local and statewide news media outlets and through the University System web page. All Valdosta radio stations and specifically WVVS (FM) 90.9, WVGA (FM) 105.9, and WAAC (FM) 92.9, as well as Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ-TV, WCTV and WALB-TV will be the primary contacts for Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ. In addition, Atlanta area and other regional radio and television stations will also be contacted. Every effort will be made to contact these media outlets as soon as any change in Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ status is determined. It must be stressed that campus operations are normal unless an official announcement from Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ has been made to indicate otherwise.

As a general rule, and due to the abbreviated time those news media outlets have to make announcements, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ announcements will be brief, stating that classes are cancelled or delayed for the day. Decisions on the status of faculty and staff reporting for duty may vary depending upon circumstances. This information will be communicated as soon as possible. "Designated Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ personnel" charged with public safety, physical plant operations, housing, essential food services or other specific duties, who have been told in advance that they should report for duty under emergency circumstances, should make every effort to arrive at campus for their designated assignments as quickly and as safely as possible.

All members of the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ community, especially those who have been away during a weekend or holiday, should use their best judgment concerning traveling to or from the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ campus during such a weather emergency or threatening situation.

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