Surviving the storm: How FAMU students can stay safe during hurricane season

As Florida approaches the peak of hurricane season, students at Florida A&M University (FAMU) are being urged to get serious about hurricane preparedness. The university’s Office of Emergency Management is keeping a close eye on tropical weather weeks before any possible storms, and they kick off their response plans about five days ahead if a hurricane looks likely to impact campus or any satellite locations. Pedro Rebolledo, the university’s emergency management coordinator, explains that when a storm is expected within that timeframe, they take steps to secure campus infrastructure, notify everyone involved, and get shelters ready to open if needed. For those students who can’t evacuate, FAMU’s main shelter is the Al Lawson Center, which is staffed and managed to provide a safe place during severe weather. The emergency team constantly updates the community through FAMU Alert and other communication systems, making sure everyone stays informed. But storms often knock out power and internet access, so Rebolledo stresses the importance of having backup communication tools like weather radios and portable chargers. He also reminds students to follow all instructions from university officials and emergency personnel to stay safe. The Leon County Disaster Survival Guide for 2024-25 offers practical advice that’s especially relevant for FAMU students. It recommends signing up for Alert Leon notifications, keeping emergency contacts written down in case phones fail, and obeying evacuation orders promptly. Since hurricanes can cause widespread outages and disrupt technology, students are advised to keep flashlights with extra batteries, backup power sources, and other essentials close by. One FAMU alumnus, Zion Fleming, shares his personal take: having a backup battery for your phone is crucial, and having a grill is surprisingly important too, since you gotta eat even if the power’s out. Fleming says that simple items like a grill can actually help bring people together during tough times. For students new to Florida or those unfamiliar with its weather patterns, awareness and preparation are key. Jullion Griffin, a third-year public relations major, encourages out-of-state students to do their homework, learn about local flood zones, and know where safe shelters are located. He stresses that hurricane warnings should never be taken lightly and that asking questions and acting quickly can make a huge difference in safety. FAMU also offers support for students who suffer housing loss or property damage due to storms. The university can connect affected students with local, state, and federal aid resources. Mental health is another area where help is available, with counseling services and the FAMU Cares portal providing emotional support. Students in need can reach out to the Dean of Students Office or Counseling Services for assistance. The Leon County guide also highlights the importance of keeping at least three days’ worth of nonperishable food and water, storing important documents in waterproof containers, and planning multiple evacuation routes. While hurricane season lasts until November 30, experts emphasize that preparation can’t wait until a storm is imminent. As Rebolledo puts it, "Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility, and the more you do now, the safer you’ll be later."