Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø 2007 Hazardous Weather Conditions Communications PROTOCOL(Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall)
January 17, 2007
Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø 2007 Hazardous Weather Conditions Communications PROTOCOL(Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall)
To: Members of the Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø community:
Winter weather advisories are rare for south Georgia. However,
emergency preparedness experts tell us at the beginning of each
semester (whether fall, spring, or summer) we should inform our
students, parents/families, and faculty/staff of those media
outlets that will carry news of Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø’s campus situation. As more of
Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø’s students and their parents/families are in north Georgia and
other parts of the state as never before, their travel to and from
campus may be adversely impacted by severe weather.
As we continue into the winter season and head toward spring and
summer it should be noted that Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø is
regularly monitoring weather forecasts from the National Weather
Service and other weather outlets for any possible hazardous
weather that might impact the campus. This would include frozen
precipitation, tornadoes, and tropical systems including
hurricanes.
In the event hazardous weather is forecast with a projected track
in proximity to the Valdosta and surrounding areas, the Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø web
site will post an advisory as soon as possible with periodic
updates.
Every storm and every situation may be different as to the impact
on the Valdosta area and the Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø campus and community. The timing
of the arrival of any storm, whether during a holiday, weekend or
regular work week will certainly determine the proper course of
action as well as will the forecasted impact and severity of the
storm. Evaluations will be made on a constant basis concerning
campus operations. Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø will be in communication with local, state
and federal emergency officials to monitor the latest weather and
public safety information both locally and around the state and
region.
As a general rule, the Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø campus is never closed, especially
during the regular school year when more than 2000 students reside
within campus housing. Even when classes might be cancelled due to
weather or other conditions Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø will be maintaining campus services
unless otherwise indicated. This will require “designated Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø
personnel” to be on duty under most circumstances or unless
otherwise advised.
Communication regarding the status of Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø operations will be done
primarily through the main university web site and email. The
university is also scheduled to introduce a new notification system
for cell phone users. News media outlets will also be utilized if
there is any change in campus operations. In the event of the loss
of electrical power on campus, every effort will be made to
communicate through local and statewide news media outlets and
through the University System web page. All Valdosta radio stations
and specifically WVVS (FM) 90.9, WVGA (FM) 105.9, and WAAC (FM)
92.9, as well as Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø-TV, WCTV and WALB-TV will be the primary
contacts for Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø. In addition, Atlanta area and other regional
radio and television stations will also be contacted. Every effort
will be made to contact these media outlets as soon as any change
in Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø status is determined. It must be stressed that campus
operations are normal unless an official announcement from Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø has
been made to indicate otherwise.
As a general rule, and due to the abbreviated time those news media
outlets have to make announcements, Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø announcements will be
brief, stating that classes are closed or delayed for the day.
Decisions on the status of faculty and staff reporting for duty may
vary depending upon circumstances. This information will be
communicated as soon as possible. “Designated Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø personnel”
charged with public safety, physical plant operations, housing,
essential food services or other specific duties, who have been
told in advance that they should report for duty under emergency
circumstances, should make every effort to arrive at campus for
their designated assignments as quickly and as safely as
possible.
All members of the Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø community, especially those who have been
away in such places as the Atlanta area or other locations during a
weekend or holiday where weather conditions may be different than
in Valdosta, should use their best judgment concerning traveling to
or from the Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø campus during such a weather emergency or
threatening situation.
Additional emergency resource information may be found at the
following web address:
Newsroom
- Office of Communications Powell Hall West, Suite 1120
-
Mailing Address
1500 N. Patterson St.
Valdosta, GA 31698 - General Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø Information
- Phone: 229.333.5800
- Office of Communications
- Phone: 229.333.2163
- Phone: 229.333.5983