You must plan ahead in the event of a tropical storm or hurricane. Students and their families should develop their own personal emergency plans in the event the Cayman Islands is threatened by a storm. These plans at a minimum should address the following:
Designate a relative or friend to serve as a family contact. Be prepared to text, tweet, Facebook, or call to let people know your plan before a storm and that you are ok after.
Build or purchase an emergency kit with all the supplies you will need to last 3-5 days. Make sure to get cash and refill any prescriptions.
Purchase rental insurance for and take pictures/ inventory your personal possessions. Pick up all items from the floors and store in drawers and closets. Move furniture away from windows.Close and lock your windows. Bring inside any items you may have on balconies or other open areas. Unplug stereos, TVs, electronic equipment and lamps.
Back up computer data and take a copy with you. Unplug your computer and move it off the floor to a more protected area like a closet. Place your paper documents in waterproof containers and take with them you.
Keep your car filled with gas and check all fluids and tire pressures (including spare). Know how you will evacuate and the route you will take if an evacuation order is issued. Any student who cannot evacuate on their own will be asked to self-identify to University officials and will be transported to a local University-operated or county shelter.
Hurricane evacuation shelters are designed for safety, not comfort. The university hall accommodations are extremely basic. Students who choose to stay in a local shelter should be prepared to sleep on the floor of a common area. Food and water will be provided, but we recommend that students bring a sleeping bag,a pillow, snacks and all prescription medications.
Students must develop a plan on where they will go if an evacuation is ordered. When an evacuation is ordered, students must immediately take action. All classes/events will be canceled when an evacuation order is issued and The University will provide as much notice as possible to allow students to implement their evacuation plans. Additionally, The University will provide the following services to assist students during this time:
Ongoing communications regarding actions being taken be the University and recommendations for protective actions to be taken by students.
It is essential that all students stay indoors throughout the entire storm. Do not go outside until given the ALL CLEAR from University or Country officials. During the peak of the storm for maximum protection, it is suggested that students, get away from windows, close room/ bedroom doors and remain in hallways, bathrooms and/or living rooms. Do not attempt to open windows or doors to see what is happening outside. Wind currents are especially strong near high-rise buildings. 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.
During the storm, a “state of emergency” exists. As a result, alcoholic beverages or other substances that impair judgment are prohibited.
In the immediate aftermath of a storm, communications may be severely disrupted. Check the Emergency Preparedness Website at www.caymanprepared.ky or www.ucci.edu.ky/hurricane-prepared for the latest information. All students should also immediately attempt to contact family and friends by any available means (telephone, text, email, social media, etc) and let them know they are ok.
If the University was ordered to evacuate, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RETURN TO CAMPUS until instructed to do so via the UCCI Website.
