Seminole State encourages preparedness for hurricane season

Photo: NOAA's GOES-East satellite captured this image of Hurricane Laura on Aug. 26, 2020 as it approached the Gulf Coast. (Photo courtesy of NOAA)

June 1 marks the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which continues through Nov. 30.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasters are expecting another “above average” Atlantic hurricane season this year. Seminole State College of Florida’s Emergency Response Team encourages all members of the College community to be prepared and offers these hurricane preparedness tips.

Preparing for a hurricane

• Register for emergency text alerts from Seminole State through Alert Seminole.
   To sign up to receive any emergency text messages from Alert Seminole, Seminole County's free official instant messaging alert system:

1. Go to the Alert Seminole website.
2. Click the "Sign Up Here" button.
3. Complete the requested information, including how you wish to be notified (select a phone for text messaging) and what you wish to be notified about (weather and/or other emergencies).
4. Select "Seminole State College" as the group near the bottom of this page.
5. Click "continue" to select additional options or to complete the enrollment process.

• Program the Seminole State Emergency Hotline – 407.708.2290 – into your phone. This hotline is updated with emergency information. 
• Prepare a disaster kit so you’ll have the necessary supplies during an emergency. 
• Discuss preparedness plans with family and friends and keep them updated if your plans change. 
• Review information provided on the College’s emergency website, Seminole State Alert, and in the College's Emergency Response Guide available in every classroom, lab and office suite collegewide.

How you'll be notified

• If you’re on campus, listen for emergency broadcasts through the Emergency Alert Phone System. Speaker phones are in all classrooms and offices at Seminole State.
• Monitor the College’s website, and social media sites (Facebook and Twitter) for updated information.
• Call the Emergency Hotline at 407.708.2290.
• Check your mobile phone for emergency text messages (if registered).
• Check your Seminole State email account. When possible, Seminole State will email messages to students, faculty and staff.

As Seminole State prioritizes the health, safety and well-being of all members of the College community, the College is committed to keeping you informed during an emergency. By planning now, you can reduce stress and frustration and be prepared this hurricane season.