As part of Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 27 – June 2), St.
John’s University invites you to learn the ways you, your
colleagues and your family can protect your safety if a storm
strikes.
Preparedness Week is the National Hurricane Center’s effort to
educate the public about these storms and the dangers they may
present to life and property. The official Atlantic hurricane
season is June 1 – November 30.
This year’s hurricane season is not expected to be severe. Of
the 12 probable storms the National Weather Service
forecasts, seven may become hurricanes. Of those, only three are
expected to be major.
As last year’s Hurricane Irene demonstrated, however, any storm
can cause significant damage. Irene was downgraded to “tropical
storm” status before it hit New York City. Yet it caused an
estimated $100 million in damages in the five boroughs.
The city’s Web site provides more
information about the storm. The New York City Office of
Emergency Management has published “Ready New York: Hurricanes and
New York City.” You can
download the guide, which includes evacuation maps along with
general tips on how to prepare for an emergency, instructions on
creating your own hurricane disaster plan and securing your
home.
Timely notification to the University Community of hazardous
weather and other emergency conditions is an essential part of the
University’s comprehensive emergency plan. The Department of Public
Safety/University Emergency Management also provides routine
preparedness information to members of the University
community.
Recognizing
St. John’s focus on emergency preparedness, the New York City
Office of Emergency Management (OEM) recently awarded the
University the prestigious Partners in Preparedness Seal. St.
John’s is one of only five local colleges and universities to
receive this designation.
All members of the St. John's University community are
encouraged to visit the OEM Website to learn how to “be
ready” for any emergency.