Hurricane Dorian: what students need to know
Posted on: September 1, 2019; Updated on: September 1, 2019
The University of South Carolina is closely monitoring Hurricane Dorian, and any updates – including potential class cancellations or closings -- will be posted on sc.edu/weather, social media and Carolina Alert. Be sure to visit the Carolina Alert website to register for weather alerts, follow on social media, and to receive emergency text messages and other public safety announcements. In the meantime, here are a few things you should know and do to prepare for whatever the storm brings.
Just cancel class already
As a state agency, the university must follow the closing decisions of Richland County government (not school district). UofSC emergency managers are in constant communication with local and state government officials and will post info on delays, cancellations or closings as soon as they’re available. When we know, you’ll know.
Going somewhere?
At this time, evacuating campus is not necessary, and we don’t expect it will be. Columbia is inland, and often hosts people who evacuate from coastal cities, where damage is typically worse because of storm surge. There may come a time when it’s important to stay inside – and definitely off the roads – because of heavy wind, rain or flooding. Follow instructions from UofSC and law enforcement.
Stock up
Services like dining and the health center will remain open, though they may be limited, and if you live off campus, you may not be able to travel through the city. It’s a good idea to make sure you have some essentials on-hand:
- Non-perishable food and snacks, bottled water, juice and soft drinks
- Prescription medicines. If there’s a power outage, bring medicine that needs refrigeration to the Center for Health and Well-Being
- Flashlight with batteries - don’t rely only on your phone
- Backup battery for cell phones – make sure it’s charged
- Contacts and eyeglasses
- Legal ID
- Cash
It’s too early to know exactly what to expect from Hurricane Dorian, but we’ll have
a better idea as forecasts develop, and you can be sure we’ll share updates. Keep
checking sc.edu/weather and official UofSC sources for the latest.
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