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SGU Dangerous Weather Emergency Plan

Hurricane Beryl Updates

Frequently Asked Questions

Hotline Information:
A hotline has been set up to provide real-time updates and address any immediate concerns.

Please call
+1 833-939-1242 for assistance and important updates regarding Hurricane Beryl.

Call Center Update: New Hours Effective July 2, 2024

Please note, the call center will close at 9pm EST tonight and will operate from 8am to 8pm EST starting July 2, 2024.

Most recent update: 3:00pm EST July 2nd, 2024.

BERYL – CAMPUS REOPENING

Dear SGU Community,

Classes will resume on campus starting Thursday, July 4.
Students please check Sakai for specific schedule details and further instructions.
Staff and faculty should report to campus starting Wednesday, July 3. We understand some may still have extenuating circumstances, including storm damage to your homes or transport issues.
The campus shuttle will return to regular service on Wednesday, July 3.
Additional food service vendors will be in operation.

Thank you for your patience, cooperation, and support throughout the impact of Hurricane Beryl.

Most recent update: 9:15am EST July 2nd, 2024.

BERYL – RECOVERY – 2 JULY

Dear SGU Community,

The Grenada National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) has lifted the nationwide curfew. Students and staff on campus may now leave to return to your residences.

If your residence is inaccessible, please report to the Housing Office after 12 p.m. today to arrange for temporary housing.

The campus shuttle system is operating today on a limited basis. Additional service will be added tomorrow.

There is limited food service on campus today (NY Bagel). Additional vendors will reopen on Wednesday, July 3.

The Fitness Center is currently closed. We anticipate reopening tomorrow.

As a reminder, there are no classes today, or tomorrow, Wednesday July 3. We will update you again when the date is set for classes to resume.

It is normal to feel anxiety after a natural disaster including severe weather events. To speak with a Psychological Services counselor, campus community members should call the University Health Clinic at 473-407-2791 and ask to be connected to the Psychologist on call.

Thank you for your continued cooperation as we work to resume normal operations in the coming days.

Depart of Public Safety

Update: 9:15pm EST July 1st, 2024.

BERYL – REOPENING 1 – 07-01-24

Dear SGU Community,

We have completed initial damage assessments and are pleased to report only minimal damage to the campus, and no reported injuries.

All classes and events are cancelled on Tuesday, July 2, and Wednesday, July 3.

Faculty and staff do not need to report to campus on these days. Critical staff please continue to work through your supervisors for assignments.

A decision about our reopening date for instruction will be made within 48 hours, as we await updates from the Grenada National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) on the schedule for the end of the curfew and restoration of electricity service throughout the St. George’s area.

We anticipate resuming in-person instruction in the next few days.

Shuttle services will resume on a limited basis on Tuesday, July 2.
Food service on campus will resume on a limited basis on Tuesday, July 2.

Thank you for your continued cooperation as we work to resume normal operations in the coming days.

Department of Public Safety

Update: 5:30pm EST July 1st, 2024.

HURRICANE BERYL UPDATE – ALL CLEAR ON-CAMPUS

Dear SGU Community,

Facilities Management and Grenlec are actively working to restore power and estimate a restoral within the hour.

The Department of Public Safety and Facilities Management teams have completed an initial university-wide damage assessment and removed all immediate hazards. The campus is now deemed safe for unrestricted movement. You are now free to exit your shelter location while emergency management teams continue to bring basic services back online for a return to normal operations.

While moving about campus, be mindful of downed trees, broken branches, and loose debris.
Movement off campus cannot take place until the government has lifted the curfew and permitted free transit about the island.
As a reminder, the Grenada National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) issued state-of-emergency remains in effect until further notice.
On-campus shelters will remain open overnight for off-campus students choosing to stay in their assigned shelter location until tomorrow.
Shuttle services will resume tomorrow but will operate on a partial schedule for Tuesday and Wednesday before returning to full route schedule on Thursday.
Food services will resume in select locations tomorrow. Vendor locations and hours of operation will also be promulgated in a separate communication.
It is anticipated that classes will resume later this week and will be announced later this evening, after a timeline for return to full operations can accurately be assessed.

Department of Public Safety

Update: 12:58pm EST July 1st, 2024.

SGU Alert – Hurricane Beryl Update: Power has been restored on campus.

Update: 12:30pm EST July 1st, 2024.

SGU Alert: There has been a loss of power on campus. Facilities Management and Grenlec are actively working to restore power.

In the event of an emergency during or after Hurricane Beryl, contact SGU Department of Public Safety via the following options:

Call 777 from a Grenada cell phone or landline phone
Call (473) 444-3777 / DPSS for from a U.S. or international cell phone
Call (473) 459-3777 using WhatsApp
Send a safety and security report via the SGU Safe App. You can download the app on iOS and Google Play
Send an email to commandcenter@sgu.edu.

Update: 9:30am EST July 1st, 2024.

Dear SGU Community,

Hurricane Beryl is beginning to make landfall in Grenada and will continue to impact the island for the next few hours. The storm will bring extremely high winds and heavy rain to the area, resulting in the potential for downed trees, flooding, and/or power outages. SGU emergency management teams are on campus for the duration of the storm, as well as the post-storm recovery phase, to ensure campus community member safety.

Campus community members are reminded to take every precaution to protect themselves during this event and to continue to adhere to the following safety guidance:

Shelter-in-place until given the “ALL CLEAR” message from SGU Department of Public Safety via SGU Alert that it is safe to go outside.  For your safety, an all clear message will not be issued until SGU emergency responders have completed an initial campus-wide damage assessment 
Follow instructions from campus and local officials 
Stay away from windows, doors, and skylights 
Stay away from loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage 
If flooding occurs, move to higher ground. Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. 
Keep cell phones fully charged to maximize communications in the event of a loss of power 
Abstain from alcohol consumption during the storm as it may impair your judgement and safety Safety Check-In 
SGU emailed you a Safety Check-In form. Please fill out this form as soon as possible to advise the University of your location during the storm. This will help us respond to any emergencies. Please fill out this form while we still have power and internet connectivity.

The Department of Public Safety will continue to monitor Hurricane Beryl closely and provide updates and instructions as necessary.  Please remain vigilant and prioritize your safety during this period.   

In the event of an emergency during or after Hurricane Beryl, contact SGU Department of Public Safety via the following options:   

   – Call 777 from a Grenada cell phone or landline phone   
   – Call (473) 444-3777 / DPSS for from a U.S. or international cell phone    
   – Call (473) 459-3777 using WhatsApp  
   – Send a safety and security report via the SGU Safe App. You can download the app on iOS and Google Play  
   – Send an email to commandcenter@sgu.edu. 

Department of Public Safety 

Update: 6:45am EST July 1st, 2024.

Dear SGU Community,

With Hurrican Beryl expected to impact Grenada shortly, we want to assure you that our campus communications remain operational.

The latest update from Grenada’s National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA):

Based on the most recent data from July 1st, 6am EST, tropical-level winds are anticipated to commence shortly.

The hurricane has weakened slightly to a Category 3.

There is still a possibility it may intensify to Category 4.

NADMA forecasts the eye of the storm to pass between Grenada and the Grenadines, with the most severe conditions expected between 8 AM and 8 PM.

Please continue to monitor RAVE Alerts, and the SGU website for further updates as we navigate through this situation together.

Update: 7:35pm EST June 30th, 2024.

ALL COMMUNITY – FINAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Dear SGU community,

Hurricane Beryl is expected to impact Grenada late tonight through Monday as a dangerous Category 4 storm. Hurricane Beryl is expected to bring high winds and heavy rain to the area, resulting in the potential for downed trees, flooding, and/or power outages.

Note the following safety guidance and take every precaution to protect yourself during this event.

Shelter-in-place until given the “ALL CLEAR” message from SGU Department of Public Safety via SGU Alert that it is safe to go outside. For your safety, an all clear message will not be issued until SGU emergency responders have completed an initial campus-wide damage assessment
Follow instructions from campus and local officials
Stay away from windows, doors, and skylights
Stay away from loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage
If flooding occurs, move to higher ground. Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters.
Charge cell phones prior to Hurricane impact to maximize communications in the event of a loss of power
Abstain from alcohol consumption during the storm as it may impair your judgement and safety

Safety Check-In

SGU will send a link to a Safety Check-In form. Please fill out this form as soon as possible to advise the University of your location during the storm. This will help us respond to any emergencies. Please fill out this form while we still have power and internet connectivity.

National Directive

For public safety, the Grenada National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) has issued a state of emergency, including an island-wide curfew starting at 6 p.m. tonight that will be enforced by the Royal Grenadian Police Force (RGPF). This means that, except for approved emergency response and essential services personnel, movement about the island after 6 p.m. is strictly prohibited.

The Department of Public Safety will continue to monitor Hurricane Beryl closely and provide updates and instructions as necessary. Please remain vigilant and prioritize your safety during this period.

In the event of an emergency during or after Hurricane Beryl, contact SGU Department of Public Safety via the following options:

– Call 777 from a Grenada cell phone or landline phone

– Call (473) 444-3777 / DPSS for from a U.S. or international cell phone

– Call (473) 459-3777 using WhatsApp

– Send a safety and security report via the SGU Safe App. You can download the app on iOS and Google Play

– Send an email to commandcenter@sgu.edu.

Department of Public Safety

Update: 3:30pm EST June 30th, 2024.

Urgent: Shelter Information for Off-Campus Students

Dear Off-Campus Students,

As Hurricane Beryl approaches, ensuring your safety is our top priority. If you have not already found a safe location and are seeking shelter, please report directly to the second floor of Taylor Hall on campus as soon as possible. This location has been designated as a safe shelter area for the duration of the storm.

For those needing shelter:

Location: Second floor of Taylor Hall, St. George’s University campus

Time: Please report immediately

The campus transit system is operating until 6pm today.

National Directive

For public safety, the Grenada National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) has issued an island-wide curfew for 6 p.m. tonight that will be enforced by the Royal Grenadian Police Force. This means that, with the exception of approved emergency response / essential services personnel, movement about the island after 6 p.m. is strictly prohibited.

The Department of Public Safety will continue to monitor Hurricane Beryl closely and provide updates and instructions as necessary. Please remain vigilant and prioritize your safety during this period.

For emergency response, contact SGU Department of Public Safety via the following options:

– Call 777 from a Grenada cell phone or landline phone

– Call (473) 444-3777 / DPSS for from a U.S. or international cell phone

– Call (473) 459-3777 using WhatsApp

– Send a safety and security report via the SGU Safe App. You can download the app on iOS and Google Play

– Send an email to commandcenter@sgu.edu.

Update: 2:20pm EST June 30th, 2024.

Dear SGU Community,

As Hurricane Beryl approaches, the safety of the SGU community remains our top priority. To keep everyone informed and prepared, we have established a dedicated hotline and compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). These resources will be updated regularly as more information becomes available.

Hotline Information: A hotline has been set up to provide real-time updates and address any immediate concerns.

Please call 833-939-1242 for assistance and important updates regarding Hurricane Beryl.

Hotline Number: 833-939-1242

For updates you may also download the SGU Safe app from the Apple and Android app stores by searching for SGU Safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the campus closed?
The campus was closed as a precautionary measure due to Hurricane Beryl, which poses a significant threat to the Windward Islands, including Grenada. The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority.

When will classes resume?
Classes will resume once we have assessed the condition of campus and determined that it is safe to reopen for normal operations.

How was the decision made to close the campus?
The decision to close the campus was made in consultation with local authorities and based on weather forecasts indicating potential impacts from Hurricane Beryl. Our goal is to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.

How can I stay updated on campus closures or emergencies in the future?
We encourage all parents to stay informed through our official communication channels, including RAVE Alerts, which provide updates via phone, email, and the SGU Safe app. You can also check our website and social media channels for updates. Search for SGU SAFE on Apple or Google Play.

What measures does SGU have in place for emergency situations like this?
SGU has a comprehensive Dangerous Weather Emergency Plan and protocols in place to respond to emergencies such as hurricanes. Our Department of Public Safety coordinates our response through the Emergency Operations Center, ensuring preparedness and swift action when needed.

The SGU campus is built to Florida hurricane safety standards and is designed to withstand severe hurricane conditions.

What happens to transportation services during campus closures?
During the campus closure, transportation services will be temporarily suspended. Students are advised to shelter in place during the storm’s passing. The SGU campus transit system will shut down at 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 30.

Will dining facilities be available during campus closures?
Dining facilities will be closed on July 1, 2024. Our dining services team will ensure that students have access to essential meals. Updates on dining facility hours will be communicated through RAVE Alerts and our website.

Will missed classes be rescheduled or made up?
We understand the importance of academic continuity. Faculty are aware of the missed class time and will make every effort to ensure that students receive necessary course materials. Any adjustments to schedules will be communicated directly by faculty members. Students may direct any questions about academic impacts of the closure to the Office of the Dean of Students.

How can I support my student during this time?
Your support and understanding are invaluable. Encourage your student to stay informed, follow safety protocols, and reach out to university resources if needed. Your continued support plays a crucial role in their well-being.

I am concerned about my student’s off-campus housing. Is the campus available for relocation?
All off-campus students have been instructed to report to campus to take shelter. Hurricane Beryl is forecast to impact Grenada as an extremely dangerous Category 4 major hurricane. The SGU campus is built to withstand these dangerous conditions. All students should report to campus by 3 p.m. on Sunday.

What happens to power and water supply?
The SGU campus is equipped with independent generators and desalination equipment to ensure that power and water supplies will be uninterrupted in the event of disruption to public infrastructure in Grenada.

Will phone services be disrupted?
Storm impacts may disrupt voice and data service on the island. Your student should make sure that their mobile devices are fully charged and become aware of any emergency satellite services provided on their Apple or Android device; please check with your carrier for more information.

If data service is lost how will the campus communicate?
Essential campus functions will be routed over satellite service while repairs are made, but cellular data carriers may be disrupted until after the storm has passed.

INTRODUCTION

The regular hurricane season in the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean extends from June 1 to November 30 of each year. St. George’s University is located in Grenada, just north of South America and below the path most hurricanes follow.

In the past 60 years, Grenada has only had one major hurricane. In 2004, a severe storm hit Grenada. However, the St. George’s campus, built to withstand a Category 5 hurricane, was a safe haven for our students, staff, and faculty. Damage on campus was limited to the loss of some roof tiles. In fact, SGU generators and water desalination plants served our neighborhood in Grenada for a few months until power was restored.

We have continued to prepare our campus for weather-related events. To ensure the safety of the University community, St. George’s University has developed an emergency plan based on an all-hazards approach that will be executed in the event of a dangerous weather system threatening the island.

LIST OF ACRONYMS

SGU – St. George’s University
IMT – Incident Management Team (Grenada)
CMT – Crisis Management Team (New York)
OUC – Office of University Communications
DPS – Department of Public Safety
NaDMA – National Disaster Management Agency (Grenada)
RA – Resident Assistant
USS – University Support Services (New York)

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM

St. George’s University maintains an Incident Management Team (IMT). Lead by the Executive Director of the Department of Public Safety (DPS), the IMT will coordinate all aspects of the University’s Emergency Operation Plan, and respond to a range of emerging threats, including dangerous weather. The IMT operates on proven emergency management best practices and utilizes the Incident Command System.

Members of the IMT span the University’s stakeholders and include key management staff from public safety, facilities, transportation, housing, food services, and communication departments, as well as senior academic leadership and executive operations personnel. The IMT is responsible for planning and executing the Emergency Operation Plan from preparedness, to response, and through the recovery phases.

During natural disasters and weather-related emergencies, the IMT maintains constant contact with Grenada’s National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA), and in large events will have an IMT member embedded at the National Command Post. SGU DPS leadership also serve as permanent members of NaDMA’s National Emergency Advisory Committee (NEAC).

For the duration of the emergency event, the Executive Director DPS and Incident Management Team shall communicate at regular intervals with the Crisis Management Team at University Support Services in New York.

YEAR-ROUND PREPAREDNESS

The Command Center is a state of the art operations center located in the heart of SGU’s True Blue campus in Grenada. The Command Center is manned around the clock, 365 days per year with trained public safety communicators. The Command Center handles security and facilities communications on a day-to-day basis and monitor a variety of public safety platforms – including weather. The Command Center is equipped with several layers of redundant systems that can maintain communications and situational awareness of all events.

If a potential tropical storm develops, the Command Center will track it from its origin. In the event of an approaching threat, the Executive Director DPS may stand up additional portions of the IMT at any time – including communicating essential information to all students, staff, and faculty about safety precautions, the status of daily operations, class cancellations, and protective actions.

DPS and the IMT work together with SGU’s Office of University Communications and the Office of Information Technology to maintain a range of community notification platforms. In the event of an emergency – potential or active – a range of communications tools will be deployed, including the following:

INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS:

University-wide emails
DPS Facebook and Twitter
SGU’s Website, Internal Portal, and Social Media Platforms
SGU Emergency Notification System
Class Announcements
Physical Bulletin Board Postings
Face to Face Meetings with Resident Assistants

EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS:

Call center for incoming calls
Event specific email address

Students are strongly encouraged to keep their contact information up-to-date in BANNER, and include local cell phone numbers and off campus housing locations. This ensures that all students will receive emergency communications.

PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS

Students are strongly encouraged to register with their national embassies or to notify their government of their extended stay in Grenada.

US EMBASSY SMART TRAVELER PROGRAM: https://step.state.gov/step/
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration
GREAT BRITAIN: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-grenada

If you are unable to find additional embassy registration, seek information online and with the Dean of Students office.

The University community should always be ready for any emergency and a simple precaution is to prepare an emergency kit or go bag. Suggested preparations can be found below on line at https://www.ready.gov/

Follow these simple examples of general personal preparation:

Keep cell phones charged with available talk-time credit balances.
Place important documents (passport, insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, vital documents, etc.) in a waterproof container. Simple zip-lock bags are often sufficient.
Keep some cash (EC and US) on hand in a safe location.
Have a kit of emergency supplies available: Drinking water, flashlight and batteries, matches, candles, duct tape, plastic trash bags, battery or hand-operated FM radio, mosquito repellents, sunscreen, broad brim hat, and shelf stable snacks.
Pack toiletries and medicines/prescription drugs that you need in a small bag. Know ahead of time what else you need to have, such as changes of clothes, shoes. In the event of an evacuation, keep in mind that you may be limited to very few personal items. Decide what goes and what stays.
Wear appropriate clothing. If relocated from a building, wear thick-soled, close-toed shoes or sneakers and comfortable clothing that will hold up in any situation.
Non-perishable food and water provisions for 3-5 days are recommended. Plan for at least 1 gallon of water per day, per person. Sinks and/or bathtubs, buckets or plastic wastebaskets should be filled with water for washing and flushing.
Unplug all electrical equipment and place as high as possible, preferably on a high shelf in the closet. Don’t open refrigerator or freezer unless necessary and if so, do it briefly.
Water may enter your room, so anything on or near the floor – shoes, suitcases, rugs, etc – should be moved to high shelves or dresser drawers.
Have a buddy system in place. Give at least one person on campus (friend/ roommate) your personal contact information. Develop a plan to stay together or have a meeting place should you get separated in a real emergency.
Have a plan with parents/relatives/friends at home in case of emergency. Give them the telephone numbers for University Support Services in New York.
US/Canada Toll-Free: +1 (800) 899-6337 or Worldwide: +1 (631) 665-8500
Follow directions. In the event of an emergency, it is best to follow instructions of those individuals in charge to maintain order and efficiency.
Be aware of surroundings. In the event of an emergency be aware of live utility wires, standing water, and falling or fallen debris. If SHELTERING IN PLACE remain inside until an ALL CLEAR is sent by the University.
Be sensible. If there is no immediate danger where you are, SHELTER IN PLACE, do not go out. Stay in the safest place possible.
Refrain from the use of alcohol and other risk taking behavior.

EMERGENCY – ALERT STAGE

When potentially threatening weather develops over the Atlantic Ocean, the IMT will increase readiness and communications well before a weather pattern poses a hazard to Grenada. The University may be under the Alert Stage for several days or weeks before a predicted storm landfall. The Command Center staff will track potential weather and make notifications through the Incident Management Team, who will notify the entire University community if a weather system poses a hazard to Grenada.

All students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to pay close attention to University communications. Weather tracking websites like NOAA.com, and aggregate meteorological services like http://spaghettimodels.com are a valuable resource.

The IMT will provide information updates as they become available from NaDMA and will communicate at regular intervals to the University community via emails, DPS Facebook page, and push notifications on SGU Safe app.

Students are encouraged to contact their families to advise them of potentially hazardous conditions via email, telephone, and social media.

EMERGENCY – WATCH PHASE

Within 36 hours of predicted landfall of a tropical cyclone, the Executive Director DPS will:

Stand up The Command Center’s Emergency Operations Center with the necessary IMT personnel on a 24-hour basis.
Inform all students about possible potential protective action procedures, and at what point academic cancellations will go into effect.
Updates will be given at regular intervals via official University communication channels. All information and communications will come directly from the IMT.

In the event of a Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watch, students should actively prepare to protect themselves and their property, and listen attentively for further announcements. An emergency kit and items needed when relocating to a shelter should have already been prepared and inspected.

Depending on the severity of the approaching weather system, a timely decision on the proper Protective Action will be made and communicated to the SGU community. All members will be directed as to the level of protective action required – shelter in place, relocations, or evacuation.

EMERGENCY – WARNING PHASE

A HURRICANE WARNING INDICATES THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS. PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE NEAR COMPLETION.

Ensure your cell phones and battery-operated devices are fully charged.
Have a communications plan with family members overseas.

Prior to the warning stage, students, faculty, and staff will be directed as to the level of protective action required (shelter in place, relocations, or evacuation), the timeline of protective action, and specific instructions for execution.

Members of the SGU community are required to follow all on-campus restrictions and curfews as enforced by DPS, SGU administration, Resident Assistants (RAs) and Shelter Wardens.

No alcohol may be brought into the campus or consumed in the shelter areas for the duration of the emergency, regardless of age.
Candles shall not be permitted for on campus lighting, FLASHLIGHTS ONLY.
Students must follow direction from RA’s and Shelter Wardens to ensure their safety by any methods including the following when necessary:
- Moving to an interior room or hallway to avoid potential injury from broken glass and flying objects striking the windows;
- Propping box springs, mattress, or other material over windows in rooms being used as shelters, and other actions that might be necessary.
- Students are required to comply with emergency procedures to ensure the safety of the University community.

No one (students, faculty or staff) is permitted to remain in campus buildings – other than designated shelters and incident management sites – for any reason.

EMERGENCY – THE EVENT

Students should be aware that during the Emergency Event, normal electrical and water capacities may be limited to preserve the integrity of the facilities and to permit a rapid start-up after the Event.

Students are responsible for obeying all emergency instructions and behaving in a professional manner during the emergency.

PROTECTIVE ACTIONS

Depending on the severity of the storm and the predicted track, the decision on the level of protective action will be made and communicated to the community. SGU’s Housing Department personnel will manage the intake and assignment of shelters in an orderly system to account for all.

SHELTER IN PLACE

Dangerous weather conditions are rare, and in most cases, the University community will be advised to shelter in place. If you reside off-campus and have secure accommodations, the University strongly urges everyone to update their locations and local phone contacts in Banner Self Service.

In a shelter in place scenario, students already on campus will remain in their assigned dorms and may be required to accommodate off-campus students who lack appropriate off-campus accommodation.

Members of the University community who reside in off-campus housing that is unsafe should request shelter on the True Blue campus through the Housing Office at least 24 hours before landfall.

Once in shelter, all SGU members should remain in their assigned spaces so that the University can account for and assess the safety of the student body. Any student wishing to shelter with friends at a location other than their assigned location should indicate their shelter decision and specific location to the Housing Department at least 24 hours before expected landfall.

MANDATORY RELOCATION TO CAMPUS

In the event of a dangerous, major category storm, the University will announce the MANDATORY relocation of all students, faculty and staff to the True Blue campus for safe shelter. The intake process, location and schedule will be communicated to the SGU community through all available communications channels.

SGU invites all students (including Grenadian residents), all staff, and all faculty, along with immediate family members, to seek safe shelter on the True Blue campus during a major hurricane. All members of the SGU community will be required to register their physical location and emergency contacts with members of the Housing Department. The full process will be detailed in announcement materials.

For some in the community, it may be advantageous to seek shelter in an approved NaDMA shelter close to home and family.

The SGU community will be informed of emergency transportation schedules for relocation to the True Blue campus and specific shelter assignment upon arrival. If advised to relocate, students must follow all instructions and emergency regulations. Parking is not available for all students on True Blue campus; bus transportation is advised.

Special consideration will be made for students with pets. Specific True Blue shelters will be provided for cohabitation with pets.

All pets must have a crate or carrier, leashes, and a pet-appropriate disaster supply kit (food, water, etc.) when relocating to a shelter. Pet owners should bring the pet’s licenses, immunization records, ownership papers, and a photo for identification/finding purposes. Pet owners are encouraged to develop a plan and have a clear direction as to what to do with their pets.

CAMPUS EVACUATION

If a dangerous, major storm approaches Grenada, and time permits, the IMT may recommend full or partial evacuation of the student community to an off-island facility.

Evacuation prior to the event will be a personal decision for each member of the University community.

EMERGENCY – RECOVERY, POST EVENT

Once a dangerous storm has passed, due to potential outdoor hazards, the SGU community shall remain sheltered until the IMT can conduct a Damage and Needs Assessment to ensure all areas are safe.

Only the Exec. Director DPS, after consultation with NaDMA and the IMT may declare an ALL CLEAR. The IMT will notify the SGU community that conditions no longer pose a threat.

The IMT, after conferring with the senior academic leadership and operational executives, will update the emergency information telephone line and all other SGU communication channels with the time and date of the next briefing.

Students who are leaving campus after sheltering there must check in with designated Shelter Manager or RA for physical accounting purposes, clearly communicating the name and local contact information of each departing student. After doing so, students are then released from shelters.

As soon as wide external communication tools are restored, students are encouraged to contact their parents/family. If landlines and cell networks are not working, students will be able to send messages through the Crisis Management Team in New York with a staff of volunteers to ensure that all messages are sent.

The IMT will announce the overall situational status, the date/time of resumption of classes, and indicate when the next scheduled update will be given.

If the need arises, students may be eligible to volunteer through the Student Government Association to help restore normal function on campus and/or in the wider community.

In the unusual event that the University is deemed unsafe or conditions in Grenada require an evacuation, the IMT will communicate the activation of its University Services Resumption Plan.

As arrangements are made, students will be transported to the airport. All travel expenses incurred are the individual’s responsibility. All students are reminded that they must bring along their passports and visas. If you are trying to evacuate with a pet, you must have all regular and necessary travel documents.

Evacuations may limit the number of personal belongings accepted for travel. Belongings above the allowable flight limit will be left at the airport.