Students Living On Campus
Residence Halls: 305-284-4505

1. Students will receive information pertaining to storm preparations from their Resident Assistant (RA) and through information posted on their floor and in the lobby of the residential college.
2. On-campus residents from the Miami area who want to go to their homes may do so. Please inform your Resident Assistant or the reception desk of your residential college or the apartment area so your whereabouts are known.
3. Students should contact their parents prior to the storm to advise them of their location and then again shortly after the storm to inform them of their status. It will be easier for students to contact their parents than for parents to locate students.
4. Meals: Arrangements for meals and food supplies will be made as storm specifics are determined. Meals are provided to students within the residence halls during an impending storm, regardless of board plan status . 

Students Living Off Campus (Commuters)
Commuter Student Affairs: 305-284-5646

1. Students off campus should refer to our Web site, the rumor control hotline, and local authorities as specifics of the storm situation are determined.
2. Hurricane Preparations for Students Living Off Campus

 Preparation Before a Hurricane Strikes (For All Students)

1. All furniture, including beds, should be pulled away from windows. All electronic equipment should be placed off the floor, preferably in a closet.     
2. Since floors can get wet, all articles such as shoes, rugs, clothes, bags, suitcases, etc., should be placed on closet shelves or in dresser drawers.     
3. Papers, books, school supplies, etc. should be put inside desks or dressers.
4. Valuables should be placed in lockable closets or drawers and secured throughout a hurricane. All doors should be locked when occupants are not in the room or apartment.
5. All students should fill several small containers with water for drinking. Those students who live in facilities that have bathtubs should clean the tub and fill it halfway. If the hurricane is a major storm, water supply may be cut off. If this is the case, the water in the tubs will be needed for washing and flushing the toilets.
6. All windows must be closed tightly. In those facilities where venetian blinds are provided, the blinds should be RAISED all the way to the top. Where shutters are provided, these shutters should be closed in all rooms.
7. Any student who owns a car should insure that the emergency brake is set and that the car is in reverse gear or park. All windows should be closed and the car locked. Be certain to fill the gas tank. Gas pumps cannot work if a power failure occurs.
8. Students should provide their own flashlights in case of power failure. Do not use candles or other flammable lighting under any circumstances; fire is uncontrollable during a hurricane.
9. Students should have snack food items, such as crackers, cookies, peanuts, etc. Food service on campus will be available as long as possible, but students should plan for an emergency by having non-perishable items available. Do not plan to travel off campus after a storm since transportation may not be possible. 

Procedures During a Hurricane

1. It is essential that all students stay indoors throughout the entire hurricane. Residents must not leave their living units until directed to do so by the residence hall staff. During the peak of the storm for maximum protection, it is suggested that students close room or bedroom doors and remain in hallways and/or living rooms.
2. Students should remain away from dangerous areas, such as the glass windows and doors in the lobby areas of the residence halls or the living rooms of apartments.
3. Do not attempt to open windows or doors to see what is happening outside. Wind currents are especially strong near high-rise buildings.
4. On-campus students should report all accidents, injuries, broken windows, or excessive water to your Resident Assistant or the reception desk of your residential college or apartment area.
5. Telephone calls should be made only in case of emergency.
6. Keep in mind that everything is calm when the eye of the storm passes overhead. Do not venture outside, as the second half of the storm will follow shortly.
7. On-campus residents may not use fire stairs to go to an adjacent floor, and elevators will be shut off. Students who live in Hecht and Stanford Residential Colleges will be restricted to their floors during a hurricane. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO GO OUTSIDE.
8. During the storm, a “state of emergency” exists. As a result, alcoholic beverages or other substances that impair judgment are prohibited. 

Please refer additional questions to your Resident Assistant or the staff at the reception desk of your residential college or the apartment area.

Additional information will be supplied to students in the residence halls by the residence halls staff as specifics of a storm situation are determined.

The University is not responsible for damages to, or for loss of, personal property as a result of a hurricane.   

Health Center and Pharmacy

The Student Health Center and the Pharmacy are open for regular hours. For questions, please call 305-284-5927.