Preparedness

When an emergency or severe weather occur, UNCW has plans in place to respond as necessary. In the event of severe weather or other emergencies, rely only on official UNCW communications for updates on campus operating status.

It is a good idea for students, faculty and staff to have their own emergency plans and an emergency kit in case of severe weather or other unforeseen situations.

Red Cross Planning Tips

Whether you live in a residence hall or off campus, you should be aware that Wilmington is a coastal city that has frequently been hit by hurricanes and tropical storms. Other types of emergencies also may require you to relocate temporarily.

The university will make an announcement if it is necessary to close the campus or residence halls.

If severe weather is predicted, pay attention to official UNCW announcements as well as the National Weather Service and/or the National Hurricane Center. Be aware that most tropical storm and hurricane warnings are issued about 36 hours before a storm is expected to make landfall. That does not mean there will be no impacts from the storm before that time. 

If you need relocate:

• If you live in campus housing, keep in touch with your resident assistant or residence coordinator, who may have additional instructions.
• Take electronics, jewelry and other valuables with you.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination, and keep an eye on official UNCW communications channels as well as weather reports. 
• International students and other students who cannot easily find an alternate place to evacuate to should contact the Office of the Dean of Students for additional information.

Helpful links:

Housing and Residence Life
Office of the Dean of Students

At Home

• Have an emergency plan for your your home and family.
• It’s a good idea to have a packed emergency kit in the event that you lose power or must evacuate due to a storm or other event.

At Work

Become familiar with the Adverse Weather Policy.

• Make sure all research is backed up.
• If you have personal items that need to be removed from the office, take them with you.
• You may also be asked to unplug and cover electronics such as computers and printers if severe weather is expected.
  

A COOP is a plan that outlines the actions and resources needed to continue essential departmental/unit functions during a variety of crisis situations when the primary facilities are either threatened or inaccessible. The COOP directs the process of mitigation, preparation, response, and recovery during emergencies and disasters.

 UNCW Emergency Management maintains a copy of each COOP.

 The COOP is reviewed and updated on an annual basis (typically commencing April 1) by the department/unit COOP manager and forwarded to Environmental Health & Safety – Emergency Management.  Contact UNCW Emergency Management for a copy of the most current departmental/unit COOP or COOP template.