MUSC campus prepares to weather hurricane seasonby Cindy AbolePublic Relations Each June, residents of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts brace for official news predicting the possibility of an active hurricane season. The anxiety and desire to be prepared is no different for MUSC as a leading hospital and largest employer. The third annual MUSC Hurricane Awareness Day on May 30 reminded everyone of the importance of early preparation, preparedness and recovery. The event, sponsored by University Risk Management, gathered local and statewide programs and campus representatives to share information and teach others about how to prepare for severe weather. “We had some excellent participants including some new exhibits like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Project Impact and the National Weather Service,” said Tiffany Chellis, event coordinator for awareness day activities. “Demonstrations featuring NOAA’s use of technology is a helpful tool as we continue to learn from the value of information such as storm intensity, environment, and societal impact would mean to our campus.” The latest predictions from NOAA offers a slightly higher than average hurricane season in 2002—with nine to 13 named storms and six to eight hurricanes. Local agencies who participated included the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, South Carolina National Guard, South Carolina Emergency Preparedness Division, SCE&G, WCBD-TV 2 and the FEMA-sponsored Project Impact—a consortium of local governments whose goal is to provide public education about avoiding hazards and preparing for disasters within Lowcountry communities. Representing on-campus programs were MUSC Student Programs and Activities, Public Safety, pet care and Public Relations. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center have branched out to provide public education featuring a new interactive Web site and database supporting tropical activity since 1851. “Both state and local agencies are learning to support and embrace this tracking methodology as a valuable assessment tool,” said Russell Jackson, NOAA Coastal Hazards program analyst. “We work locally with agencies, groups and provide risk vulnerability assessments using computer methods to prepare communities by identifying hazards, assessing the environment and analyzing potential impacts from hazards.” Therapeutic services’ Loretta Rhodes is also a chief warrant officer in the S.C. State Guard. Today, more than 350 men and women from 15 counties in lower South Carolina are participants in the guard. The group complies under the provisions and directives of the Department of Defense, Governor’s office and S.C. Adjutant General. “Being involved in this Hurricane Awareness Day event makes each of us aware of the value of preparation–no matter what will happen,” Rhodes said. “Since 9-11, there has been an increased need for technicians, medical specialists and other committed personnel. Our best efforts are our involvement and training in learning to deal with terrorist situations through preparation and general knowledge.” The group provides support during time of need from training troops to handling weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, crowd/traffic control, evacuation, first aid, disaster relief and family services. Risk Management is asking campus departments to revisit their Severe Weather Plans to confirm if they are prepared for hurricanes and other weather emergencies. According to Chellis, departments will be asked to submit names of designated personnel who will need to be on campus during a storm. These individuals will receive an emergency hang tag for their vehicle and an emergency pass to be attached to their MUSC badge. The pass will provide entry into restricted occupancy-designated buildings throughout campus. The hang tag will allow an employee road access while navigating through closed areas. MUSC’s Severe Weather Plan is available from the emergency info link and red button on MUSC’s homepage. If there is a threat, Risk Management will work closely with the Office of Public Relations to ensure that the MUSC community is informed about school closings, shelter openings and other emergency procedures through MUSC’s 24-hour information line and internal broadcast message system. For information, call 792-MUSC (792-6872) or visit the university’s Web site. Named Hurricanes for 2002
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