Issue date: 9/9/04 Section: News

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Less than a month after Hurricane Charley ripped through central Florida with 145 mph winds, Florida residents are dealing with the aftermath of yet another storm, Hurricane Frances. Charley alone caused approximately $7.4 billion in damages.

Initially packing winds of 145 mph, Frances tore through the Bahamas as a powerful Category 4 hurricane. Frances was downgraded to a Category 2 storm as it slowly headed toward the Florida coastline.

According to preliminary reports from The National Hurricane Center, more than 20 inches of rainfall was expected from Frances.

This may concern University of West Florida students, especially resident students, wondering what to do if a hurricane watch or warning is issued for the Pensacola area.

"Be prepared," said Ron Hambrick, director of the Department of

Environmental Health and Safety. "Rely on information distributed by the University. Stock up on nonperishable foods, water, batteries and medications. If you're going to leave, leave early. Don't wait until the warnings are posted."

Hambrick also emphasizes the importance of staying in touch with family and friends during hurricanes.

"When Hurricane Charley hit south Florida, many people were left stranded without communication capabilities,” Hambrick said. “Even their cell phones didn't work."

Hambrick said he does not know of any reported injuries on campus resulting from prior hurricanes. One of the most common problems the UWF police department encounters is an influx of "nonessential" phone calls that tie up the lines and make it difficult to respond to real emergencies, Hambrick said.

Hambrick said theat, in the event of a hurricane, class cancellations and campus closings will be posted on the UWF Web site or broadcasted over WUWF-FM radio.

The Environmental and Safety Department has more information available

on its Web site, http://uwf.edu/envhs/hurricane.cfm, including the buildings on campus that have been designated as shelters.

Additionally, WUWF-FM is the official source of information for UWF students and faculty.

Joe Vincenza, department manager of WUWF Public Radio/TV, said the University's radio and TV stations work in conjunction with the Emergency Operations Center and other Escambia emergency agencies to

ensure that the information being broadcasted is kept up-to-date.

Some UWF students also wonder what will happen if the power goes out.

"We have a generator and a back-up transmitter," Vincenza said. "We will

stay on the air regardless. We're ready."

For more information, visit the WUWH Web site at www.wuwf.org.

Resident students should direct their concerns to the Department of Housing/Resident Life.

"Be aware of what's going on around campus," said Joe Poletto, assistant director of Housing/Resident Life."Check e-mails and hand-outs regarding the hurricane warnings. Most importantly, read the brochures that have been posted. We want everyone to be safe."

Emergency agencies and hurricane hunters are now keeping a close watch on another storm that is churning in the warm Atlantic waters, Hurricane Ivan.

 

 

 

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