Mandatory Hurricane Evacuation Plan Information

Florida Tech requires all residents to submit an evacuation plan annually because we understand that planning is essential in preparing for emergencies. Safety is our top priority, and before and during extreme weather events we benefit from having world-class meteorologists and storm scientists on our faculty to advise university leadership in deciding whether to evacuate. It is important to note, however, the context in which Florida Tech students living on campus are situated. Yes, Florida is subject to weather events of various magnitudes, but there is a reason that Brevard County, where Florida Tech is located, was a popular choice for development: it rarely faces serious impacts.

Nonetheless, we see the value in utilizing our experts. These individuals look to the “Cone of Uncertainty” – often presented as a “5-day cone” and then a “3-day cone” – which provides early guidance and then sufficient time to evacuate, if indicated. These readings show the forecasted path of the center, or “eye,” of the storm. They also look to the wobble factor of a storm should it have a significant potential to veer off path, recognizing that storms can be unpredictable. University officials also consider the impact of a loss of campus access to emergency services, utilities, etc. in making a determination.

While we will ultimately abide by the directives of the responsible government entities or the determination of our Crisis Management Team if a more conservative approach is feasible, Florida Tech is mindful of encouragement from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FloridaDisaster.org) for all state residents to “Know Your Zone, Know Your Home” to support storm response planning. The agency provides this guidance:

• Know Your Zone: Geographic areas in Florida are rated by zone indicators from A to E. Typically Zone A is the most vulnerable and the most likely to evacuate first and Zone E is most likely to evacuate last. Florida Tech has portions of its campus property rated as C, D and E areas.
• Know Your Home: Trailer and manufactured homes are considered high risk, whereas cement construction, like Florida Tech’s buildings, are not.

So, while Brevard County has required evacuations in the past, it has almost always been limited to residents living closest to the beaches, on the barrier reefs or in low-lying inland areas that are flood-prone – none of which applies to the university.

Were an evacuation necessary, here are some key factors to consider:

• Know your primary and alternate evacuation routes; choose several destinations in different directions so you have options in an emergency.
• Evacuate early.
• Travel tens of miles, not hundreds of miles, and shelter locally.
• Choose a sturdy home or hotel outside of the evacuation zone or a public shelter.
• Remember, shelter openings are incident-specific – so consult the Florida Tech webpage or tune into the local news, radio and social media for open shelter locations.

The last time the county stood-up evacuation shelters, they provided 15 shelters for residents, including four accommodating animals. The university will work with emergency management personnel to staff a shelter location and provide additional amenities when possible. The university will provide food and water, but students should be prepared to manage most other matters. They should bring sleeping materials (sheets/sleeping bag/pillow) and expect to sleep on the floor, as well as hygiene items and other essentials, including a minimum of a two-week supply of all medications and special-needs items, cash and credit cards (ATMs and banks may be inaccessible), insurance cards and identification, cell phone and laptop chargers, and battery backup devices.

Complete or update your evacuation plan at http://floridatech.campuslabs.com/engage/submitter/form/start/598745 or via this QR code: