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5.2.8 Natural Disasters

General Guidance

The Emergency Management and Business Continuity Plan defines weather monitoring and College overall response to weather related threats. Faculty and Staff activities focus on safety issues and, in certain cases, the protection of College assets. Faculty and Staff are responsible for securing work area assets and for conducting preliminary damage assessments of work areas (see checklists).

Procedures to be followed by Faculty and Staff:

Hurricanes, Tropical Storms, and Floods

  • The College will be closed before travel conditions become dangerous and will not reopen until the environment is safe. There are no special on-campus safety guidelines for non-storm personnel and students.
  • Faculty and Staff are required to secure their work areas for wind and flooding prior to being released.

Winter Storms

  • The College will be closed before travel conditions become dangerous and will not reopen until the environment is safe. There are no special on-campus safety guidelines for non-storm personnel and students.
  • Since no building or building content damage is expected, Faculty and Staff are not required to secure their work areas prior to being released.

Thunderstorms

  • Observe the following rules if lightning is occurring or is about to commence:
    • If outdoors, do not take shelter under a tree.
    • Avoid water fixtures, telephone lines, and any electrical conducting materials.
    • Stay inside buildings and off campus grounds.

Tornadoes

Severe weather happens frequently in Southeast Texas. Texas thunderstorms are common and often bring the threat of tornadoes. Though tornadoes can happen at any time of the year, they mostly occur during spring and summer.

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes strike with incredible velocity, with winds that can approach over 200 miles per hour. These winds are capable of uprooting trees and structures, and can also turn harmless objects into dangerous projectiles in just a few seconds.

This document is intended to provide you steps to take to keep you safe when a tornado threatens. If you know what to do before, during, and after a tornado, you will minimize your risk of injury.

Tornado Watch vs. Warning

  • A tornado watch means that a tornado is possible – be prepared. Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Be sure you have reviewed the emergency plans and know where your safe room/area will be. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives. Watches are issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties.
  • A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement officer who is watching the storm.

Steps to Protect Yourself

  • When a tornado watch is issued:
    • Review your emergency plan and identify your safe room;
    • If you are in a temporary structure, move to a permanent building structure;
    • Continue to monitor your email, LSCO’s social media pages, and your cell phone for further instructions; and
    • If available, monitor local radio or television stations for emergency information and the potential of additional storms.
  • When a tornado warning is issued:
    • Shelter in place;
    • Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of the building;
    • Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls; and
    • Be aware of possible falling and flying debris – use your arms to cover your head and face.
  • There is not a sufficient warning period to close the College or to effectively protect College assets. Therefore, no special effort should be made to protect College assets; all attention should be directed towards life safety procedures.

Earthquakes

  • If an earthquake strikes while you are in a building, take cover immediately under a sturdy object covering your head, neck, and face. Be prepared to move with the object. To the extent possible, stay away from windows and items that might fall.
  • Do not attempt an evacuation during the earthquake. Also, be prepared for aftershocks.
  • In outdoor areas, stay away from power lines, buildings, and any objects that might fall. In an automobile, pull off the road away from overpasses, bridges, and large structures that might fall.
  • There is no warning period; therefore, all attention should be directed towards life safety procedures.

Campus Closing Checklist – Flood Threat

In the event that the College suspends normal operations in response to the threat of a tropical storm or other rain/flood event, the following activities should be carried out in each unit prior to Faculty and Staff being released.

  • Back up critical documents on computer hard drives. Secure removable media in zip-lock bags and take duplicate copies offsite.
  • Unplug computers, printers, and other electrical appliances.
  • Ground floor occupants in buildings subject to flooding:
    • Relocate contents from bottom drawers of desks and file cabinets to locations safe from flooding.
    • Move all equipment, books, papers, and other valuables off the floor to locations safe from flooding.
    • If necessary, relocate equipment and other valuables to a higher floor. (Be sure that equipment and other valuables moved outside your office are tagged for easy identification and retrieval.)
    • Cover and secure or encase and seal equipment and other valuables with plastic.
  • In lab areas:
    • In lab areas subject to flooding, store sensitive apparatus and glassware in areas not likely to flood.
    • Attend to critical utility-dependent processes and make arrangements for back-up supply.
    • Assure all hazardous and biohazard materials and wastes are properly protected.
  • Check contents of refrigerators and set to coldest setting.
  • Empty trash receptacles of items likely to rot.
  • Take home all personal items of value.
  • Close and latch all windows. Close and lock all doors.
  • Stay tuned to the radio/television for additional information. BlackboardConnect will be used to communicate updates to Faculty, Staff, and Students.
  • Place sand bags in front of buildings known to flood.

Campus Closing Checklist – Wind & Flood (Hurricane) Threat

In the event that the College suspends normal operations in response to the threat of a hurricane or other severe wind and/or flood event, the following activities should be carried out in each unit prior to Faculty and Staff being released.

  • Back up critical documents on computer hard drives. Secure removable media in zip-lock bags and take duplicate copies offsite.
  • Unplug computers, printers, and other electrical appliances.
  • All occupants:
    • Relocate contents from bottom drawers of desks and file cabinets to locations safe from water damage.
    • Move all equipment, books, papers, and other valuables away from windows, off the floor, and to interior areas of the building. (Be sure that equipment and other valuables moved outside your office are tagged for easy identification and retrieval.)
    • For ground floor occupants in buildings subject to flooding: if necessary, relocate equipment and other valuables to a higher floor. (Be sure that equipment and other valuables moved outside your office are tagged for easy identification and retrieval.)
    • Cover and secure or encase and seal equipment and other valuables with plastic.
    • Clear desktops, tables, and exposed horizontal surfaces of materials subject to damage.
    • Close and latch (or secure with tape) all filing cabinets.
    • To the extent possible, turn bookcases, shelving units, etc. around to face walls.
    • Place telephones in desk drawers.
  • In lab areas:
    • Store sensitive apparatus and glassware in areas safe from flooding and wind damage.
    • Attend to critical utility-dependent processes and make arrangements for back-up supply.
    • Assure all hazardous and biohazard materials and wastes are properly protected.
  • Check contents of refrigerators and set to coldest setting.
  • Empty trash receptacles of items likely to rot.
  • Take home all personal items of value.
  • Close and latch all windows. Close and lock all doors.
  • Stay tuned to the radio/television for additional information. BlackboardConnect will be used to communicate updates to Faculty, Staff, and Students.
  • Place sand bags in front of buildings known to flood.

Work Area Damage Assessment Checklists

Offices/RoomsLabs

Severe Winter Storm

Expected Impact

  • Some wind damage likely, possibly trees down.
  • Some buildings may be breached and frozen pipes possible.
  • Utility disruptions (especially electric) possible.

Expected Consequences

  • College activities closed beginning 2–3 hours pre-strike.
  • College activities likely closed for one day post-strike.
  • Government authorities may commandeer College resources.

Suggested Action Steps

  • At the Alert (48-HR) point:
    • EMBCP activated.
    • IRT contacted.
    • EMT notified.
  • Within the Watch (36-HR) point:
    • Secure the campus.
    • Test all backup environment.
  • Within the Warning (24-HR) point:
    • If not already accomplished, activate the EOC.
    • Close the College before travel conditions become dangerous.
    • Security and essential personnel take cover at a secure location before the situation becomes dangerous.
  • Most Critical Plans / Resources:
    • Facilities
    • Security
    • Public Relations
    • Business Services

Tropical / Hurricane Storms

Tropical Storms and Severe Mid-Latitude Storms

Expected Impact

  • Some wind damage possible.
  • Trees down (possibly).
  • Utility disruptions (especially electric) possible.
  • Some flooding possible.
  • Travel conditions may become dangerous.

Expected Consequences

  • College activities may be closed beginning about 2–3 hours pre-strike.
  • College activities will likely reopen within a day.

Suggested Action Steps

  • At the Alert (48-HR) point:
    • EMBCP activated
    • IRT contacted
    • EMT notified
  • Within the Watch (36-HR) point:
    • Secure the campus
    • Secure building contents (flood damage)
    • Test all backup environmental equipment
  • Within the Warning (24-HR) point:
    • If not already accomplished, activate the EOC
    • If travel conditions are expected to become dangerous, close the College
    • Security and essential personnel take cover at a secure location before the situation becomes dangerous
  • Most Critical Plans / Resources:
    • Facilities
    • Security
    • Public Relations
    • Business Services

Hurricane

Expected Impact

  • Panic possible.
  • Wind damage.
  • Trees down.
  • Buildings breached (building content damage).
  • Utility disruptions (especially electric).
  • Flooding & storm surge possible.
  • Tornadoes possible.
  • Travel conditions will become impossible.

Expected Consequences

  • College activities closed beginning about 12–36 hours pre-strike.
  • College activities likely closed post-strike.
  • In an extreme case a semester might be cancelled.
  • Government authorities may commandeer College resources.

Suggested Action Steps

  • At the Alert (72-HR) point:
    • EMBCP activated
    • IRT contacted
    • EMT notified
  • Within the Watch (36-HR) point:
    • Activate the EOC
    • Secure the campus
    • Secure building structures
    • Secure building contents (wind & flood damage)
    • Test all backup environmental equipment
  • Within the Warning (24-HR) point:
    • Close the College before travel conditions become dangerous
    • All preparations should be completed ASAP
    • Security and essential personnel take cover at a secure location before the situation becomes dangerous
  • Most Critical Plans / Resources:
    • Facilities
    • Security
    • Public Relations
    • Business Services
    • Nearly all resources critical

Tornado

Expected Impact

  • Some panic possible.
  • Wind damage likely.
  • Trees down.
  • Building and building content damage.
  • Utility disruptions (especially electric) likely.
  • Injuries likely.
  • Fatalities possible.
  • Potential life-threatening event.

Expected Consequences

  • College activities possibly closed for a few days post-strike.
  • Government authorities may commandeer College resources.
  • Activities scheduled for destroyed & severely damaged buildings will need to be relocated.

Suggested Action Steps

  • At the Watch point:
    • Safety & Security assigns someone to continually monitor weather reports
  • At the Warning point:
    • Weather reports continually monitored
    • Safety & Security assigns someone with communication equipment to observe weather conditions
  • After the storm:
    • EMBCP activated
    • IRT contacted
    • EMT notified
    • Activate the EOC
  • Most Critical Plans / Resources:
    • Facilities
    • Security
    • Public Relations
    • EH&S
    • Student Services
    • Nearly all resources critical

Earthquake

Magnitude 4.0 or Less

Expected Impact

  • No serious impact expected.

Expected Consequences

  • No serious impact expected.

Magnitude 4.1 to 5.9

Expected Impact

  • Some panic likely.
  • Some building and building content damage possible.
  • Utility disruptions almost certain.
  • Injuries possible.

Expected Consequences

  • Activities scheduled for damaged buildings will need to be relocated.
  • The College may be closed for several days.

Magnitude 6.0 or More

Expected Impact

  • Panic certain.
  • Widespread building and building content damage.
  • Utility disruptions certain.
  • Injuries and fatalities likely.
  • Serious life-threatening event.

Expected Consequences

  • Government authorities may commandeer College resources.
  • Activities scheduled for destroyed & severely damaged buildings will need to be relocated.
  • The College will likely be closed for several days.
  • In an extreme situation, the College may be closed for a semester.

Suggested Action Steps (All Magnitudes)

  • After the event:
    • EMBCP activated
    • IRT contacted
    • EMT notified
    • Activate the EOC
  • Most Critical Plans / Resources:
    • Facilities
    • Security
    • Public Relations
    • EH&S
    • Student Services
    • Student Health Services
    • Nearly all resources critical

Airplane Crash

Expected Impact

  • Panic certain.
  • Widespread building and building content damage.
  • Injuries and fatalities likely.
  • Serious life-threatening event.

Expected Consequences

  • Government authorities may commandeer College resources.
  • Government authorities assume incident command and will likely limit access to the area.
  • Activities scheduled for destroyed & severely damaged buildings will need to be relocated.
  • The campus will likely be closed for several days.

Suggested Action Steps

  • EMBCP activated
  • IRT contacted
  • EMT notified
  • EOC activated
  • Most Critical Plans / Resources:
    • Facilities
    • Security
    • Public Relations
    • Nearly all resources critical

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