What to Do

Hurricane or Tropical Storm

PCC has a comprehensive emergency management plan and response that is ready for fast implementation. Emergency Operations team members represent all departments on campus that serve students and are committed to providing for their comfort, safety, and care.

When Escambia County’s Emergency Operations Center activates for an approaching storm, PCC has an emergency rep on site. This arrangement allows campus fast access to information.

The campus Emergency Operations Center is staffed by trained personnel 24 hours a day prior to, during, and after a storm.

PCC's Location

Pensacola is located in the northwestern panhandle of Florida, protected by barrier islands along the Gulf of Mexico.

Located 100 feet above sea level and several miles inland, PCC is not subject to storm surge or coastal flooding. The college is not in a hurricane evacuation zone.

Shelter Locations for Residence Hall Students

Winds under tropical storm strength

Shelter in place if a tornado warning is issued.

Tropical storm or Category 1-2 hurricane

Residence halls
Designated work areas (critical workers)

Category 3+ hurricane

Crowne Centre (women)
Sports Center (men)
Designated work areas (critical workers)

On-Campus Response Checklist

Stay informed.

Monitor forecasts from the National Hurricane Center.
Verify that your phone is subscribed to receive critical alerts.
Monitor storm-related announcements, cancellations, schedule changes, and shelter plans posted on the PCC Emergency Management page and Eagle's Nest.
Watch for critical alerts.

Prepare to shelter.

Pack bedding, medications, cell phones and chargers, clothing, books/games, snacks, and personal items so that they are ready to take with you to an on-campus shelter should the storm be a Category 3 strength or higher upon landfall in Pensacola. Storms can intensify rapidly.
If you work on campus, ask your supervisor if you need to shelter at your work location during the storm. If so, pack bedding and other supplies as you would for on-campus shelters.
Food and bottled water will be provided by PCC. Hot meal schedules will resume once it is safe for you to leave shelters.

Anticipate evacuation challenges.

Public safety officials recommend that you stay off highways before a storm, allowing those within declared evacuation zones to get out safely.
If you voluntarily evacuate, follow all normal overnight pass and class cut procedures and assume full responsibility for your safety.
Depart before winds reach tropical storm strength. After that time, safe routes may be difficult to find as highway bridges close and road conditions become unpredictable.

Respond to storm impacts.

Report residence hall maintenance issues promptly to your RA or RM. Maintenance personnel are on duty during the storm in every occupied building to quickly handle issues.
Stay away from beaches and damaged areas right after the storm because of storm-related hazards.
Contact your parents to reassure them that you are okay.

Preparation for Commuter Students

Consider the storm’s anticipated strength at landfall when determining whether it will be safe to shelter at your home. Plan to shelter at a friend’s home or a local hurricane shelter if you do not feel comfortable at home.

Prepare a kit with basic supplies on hand to meet needs at your home for at least three days if local water and electricity are unavailable. The sites below include recommendations for personal preparation and common safety precautions unique to tropical weather.

• Disaster Supply Kit

• Escambia County Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management

If you work on campus, ask your supervisor if you need to shelter at your work location during the storm. If so, pack bedding, medication, cell phones and chargers, clothing, books/games, and personal items.

Preparation for Employees

With advance preparation, your family will be better equipped to adapt to possible inconveniences. A hurricane can cause flooding and wind damage, but can also cause widespread disruption of electricity, water, Internet, cable, or phone for several days. Gas stations, grocery stores, and home supply stores may sell out of fuel and other items quickly without ability to replenish. Credit/debit card machines and ATMs may not be operable. Consider in advance what you might need to do to prepare for possible disruptions, secure your home and possessions, care for family and pets, and relocate to a shelter or stay at home during a storm. Storm forecasts have a high level of uncertainty until closer to landfall. Some preparation work takes time and shouldn’t be delayed, but some decisions that affect your plan cannot reasonably be made until later. For tips on preparing your home and family prior to a storm, see Tropical Storms and Hurricanes resources on Be Ready Escambia. Your personal plans should be detailed and flexible. For information regarding employee communication, shelters, and other services, see Hurricanes on the Employee Services website.

For more information, please see Hurricane/Tropical Storm Resources.