Rice.edu will post critical info about hurricanes

Rice.edu will post critical info about hurricanes

BY B.J. ALMOND
Rice News staff

Although tropical storms Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal and Dolly didn’t include Houston on their recent tours of the Atlantic, their presence served as a reminder that in the event of a hurricane or similar weather-related danger, Rice students, faculty and staff should consult rice.edu for news about the university’s preparations for the storm.

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A red banner across the top of Rice’s main Web page will display emergency information, including details about closing and the location of on-campus shelters for students.

“Because the phone lines may be needed for true emergencies, we ask that the Rice community rely on the Web for critical information rather than call the main switchboard or Rice police,” said Kevin Kirby, vice president for administration and chair of the Crisis Management Team (CMT).

Working with the CMT, Rice Public Affairs will post updates about the storm and the campus situation as they become available. The emergency plans already include a provision for one or more of Rice’s Web editors to relocate in a city that won’t be affected by the storm so that flooding or loss of power will not prevent their access to the site.

“During a tropical storm or hurricane, our No. 1 priority will be the safety of people on campus, particularly students who have nowhere else to go,” Kirby said. “We have a crisis plan in place to provide shelter, food and water to our students and the essential personnel who must be on campus during the storm. All other staff and faculty should plan to stay at their homes or evacuate to a safer location. Due to limited supplies and space, we cannot offer the campus as a public shelter to the entire Rice community and nearby neighbors.”

If electrical power from CenterPoint Energy is interrupted, backup power strategies for some critical facilities will be implemented by Facilities, Engineering & Planning. Emergency generator backup is also in place for critical laboratory equipment and emergency lighting.

The CMT engaged in a practice drill for hurricane preparations earlier this month, and similar plans and protocols are in place for other types of emergencies.

The team will implement its annual test of Rice’s emergency communication system this fall after the new students have had a chance to subscribe. Faculty and staff will be reminded to update their emergency contact information at esther.rice.edu prior to the test.