After the Storm

Barry University
Emergency Information Hotline
305-899-4000

Once the storm has passed our area, the campus will be assessed for damage. All maintenance, housekeeping and grounds employees should report to work immediately after the storm providing it is safe to do so. Other essential employees, including but not limited to, Information Technology and Administrative Information should follow any guidance given by their supervisors as determined by their disaster recovery plan. All other employees should wait at least 24 hours after landfall of a major hurricane in our area before coming to the campus or trying to communicate to the campus.

The first 24 hours after a major storm is a critical time during which damage assessments are made and preliminary restoration efforts are begun. Listen to media reports, particularly on local television and radio stations for campus information. Providing telephone service is available, employees should call the emergency information hotline, 305-899-4000, for information on returning to work if you do not hear any reports on local media. Employees should endeavor to communicate with their supervisors, or co-workers, for information on returning to work. The main campus number should only be called as a last resort.

If possible, a restoration meeting will take place within 72 hours of landfall of a major storm to make decisions regarding resumption of services.

Stay tuned to local radio for information.

Help injured or trapped persons.

• Give first aid where appropriate.
• Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.

Return home only after authorities advise that it is safe to do so.

• Avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company, police, or fire department.
• Enter your home with caution.
• Beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven to higher ground by flood water.
• Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home.
• Check refrigerated foods for spoilage.
• Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents and for insurance claims.

Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.

Use telephone only for emergency calls.

Check for gas leaks--If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.

Look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.

Check for sewage and water lines damage--If you suspect sewage lines are damaged avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid the water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.