Weather-Related Emergencies

Weather-related emergencies may include any of the following:

  • Winter storm
  • Hurricane
  • Tornado
  • Flood
  • Earthquake

Primary Response Team

  • NYIT campuses: Office of Campus Security; Long Island residences: University police; New York City residences: 911
  • Director of facilities or designee
  • Local law enforcement and emergency responders
  • Emergency and fire evacuation wardens

Secondary Response Team

  • Office of Housing and Residential Life staff
  • Office of the Dean of Students staff/ coordinator of campus operations and student services staff
  • Office of Strategic Communications and External Affairs
  • Office of Human Resources
  • Office of the President
  • Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
  • Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs

Objectives
To protect the safety of all members of the NYIT community, maintain the continued operation of the institution, and return the institution to normal function while working to minimize the effects of damage from weather-related events.

Notification
Follow the established chain of primary responders. If the situation has caused loss of life or lives are threatened, immediately call 911. The Office of Campus Security will be the first NYIT responders in all emergency events and should be notified immediately. Once decisions have been made that involve emergency closings, evacuation, or delayed openings, dissemination of this information should be made to the entire NYIT community via: NYIT Web site, internal phone system, digital signage, campus emergency information number (516.686.1010), written press release, as well as external media outlets as necessary.

Procedures

Procedures may vary based upon the specific weather related emergency at the current time. The importance of monitoring changing weather conditions and forecasts is emphasized to allow time for decision making and appropriate course of action concerning cancellation of classes/special events as well as campus closures.

  • Decisions concerning campus closure/early release will be made by the Office of the President.
  • All students and staff should be notified of decisions regarding emergency closings and evacuations.
  • Emergency phone chain/communications should go into effect immediately once decisions have been made by the Office of the President.
  • Cancellation of activities/special events as appropriate.
  • Campus security will evacuate campus as per their departmental protocol.

During An Earthquake:

  • If indoors, seek cover in a doorway or under a desk or table. Stay away from glass windows, shelves, and heavy equipment.
  • If outdoors, move quickly away from buildings, utility poles, and other structures. Always avoid downed power or utility lines because they may be energized.
  • If in an automobile, stop in the safest place available, preferably an open area away from power lines and trees. Stop as quickly as safety permits, but stay in the vehicle for the protection it offers.

After The Initial Shaking Stops:

  • Evaluate the situation, and if emergency help is necessary, call 911.
  • Protect yourself at all times and be prepared for aftershocks.
  • If the building evacuation/fire alarm is sounding or if you are told to leave by or emergency personnel, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same.
  • Once outside, move to a clear area at least 100 feet away from the building.
  • Keep roads and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
  • Listen for instructions from security or other emergency personnel.
  • If it is necessary, you will be instructed to go to an emergency assembly area where you will receive further information about local conditions and exit routes from campus.
  • Be alert for hazards such as building damage, gas leaks, fires, broken utility lines, spilled chemicals, and other potentially harmful materials.
  • Do not return to an evacuated building unless directed to do so by Security or emergency personnel. Do not use the telephone, except for emergency calls. Do not use matches or other open flames until you are certain there are no dangerous fumes present. Do not operate electrical equipment if gas leaks are suspected.
  • Do not touch downed power lines.

Follow-up:

  • Execute campus recovery steps as designed by the Office of Facilities.
  • Once completed, the NYIT community shall be notified of re-opening through previously mentioned communication outlets.