AMU Hurricane Protocols

• The AMU campus is hardened to the extent that structural damage to the buildings themselves is not a concern. The critical issue is loss of electrical power for a considerable length of time.
• AMU is not a “shelter in place” facility for the purposes of significant hurricane storms. The AMU protocol for approaching storms is to wait, watch, and then–no more than 72 hours before the expected arrival of a storm–declare whether there will be an evacuation declaration.
• In the case of an evacuation, everyone who is able to leave campus and seek shelter elsewhere, MUST.
• The University strongly encourages each AMU student and family to discuss and plan in advance what actions they would take in the case of an evacuation declaration. The purpose of the 72- hour advance declaration is to leave enough time for safe departure.
• Each AMU student and their family is charged with making their own decisions regarding when and how to evacuate and where to go once the evacuation order is issued.
• Of course, there is the real possibility that an evacuation declaration will be issued and then the storm change direction or diminish in size and strength. The University recognizes this possibility—in fact, has experienced it in the past—but nonetheless will always choose “the safe path” when it comes to making these decisions.
• In the event that inclement weather poses a real or potential safety threat to the University community, class instruction will be moved to the online modality and continued without interruption. The annual academic calendar will continue to be followed and no instructional time will be lost. Students and faculty will use the Canvas platform, MS Teams, and other online learning resources.
• Thank you for your patience and understanding regarding these storm occurrences.

HIGH WIND and TORNADO PROCEDURES

• If a high wind/tornado warning is received, seek shelter immediately in an area that is in an interior hallway or room; at the lowest level in the building; and/or an area free of windows or glass.
• Protect your body from flying debris with furniture and/or sturdy equipment.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
• Follow instructions given by university staff, emergency personnel, and the Mass Notification System messages