Skip to content

Severe Windstorms

UH Hilo Home > Faculty & Staff > Vice Chancellor for Administrative Affairs > Emergency Operations Plan > Appendix C: Actions for Specific Emergencies

Severe windstorms usually strike without warning. The following actions if time permits, should be accomplished. Classes may be suspended to allow students, faculty and staff to return home. Dormitory students shall be guided by instructions from the Housing staff.

  1. Auxiliary Services:
    1. Assist with taping of glass panes on windows and doors.
    2. Secure any outside staging, scaffolding, planking, loose iron roofing, and anything that can blow away.
    3. Shut off gas to buildings when campus operations cease.
  2. Occupants of Buildings:
    1. Tape up glass panes on windows and doors.
    2. Close windows and blinds (draw all drapery in a closed position). Stay away from glass windows.
    3. Secure loose materials (i.e. store inside of file cabinets, desk drawers, etc.).

High Winds

If high winds develop during instructional hours with little or no warning, the following emergency action steps should be followed:

  1. Everyone should seek shelter immediately.
  2. Employees and Students should be assembled inside shelters or best available buildings. (Refer to Appendix D, Hurricane Rating of University Space). Each person responsible for a building, classroom or laboratory shall ensure that all disabled/handicapped persons have been assisted to reach cover.
  3. Close windows and blinds (draw all drapery in a closed position). Stay away from glass windows.
  4. During the windstorm, remain near an inside wall, on the lower level if possible.
  5. Stay inside the building as loose flying objects, downed wires, falling branches/trees, etc. may pose life-threatening situations.
  6. Avoid structures with large roof spans.
  7. Evacuate rooms subject to full force winds.
  8. Keep tuned to the Emergency Broadcast System radio station for latest advisory information.

Actions After the Winds Subside

  1. After the winds subside, temporarily secure damaged buildings to prevent further weather damage.
  2. Notify the Damage Control Officer of any break, damage, or suspected break, in any utility system or building.
  3. Do not touch any downed wires due to electrical hazards. Notify the Damage Control Officer and the Hawaiian Electric Light Company of the downed wires.
  4. Should anyone detect gas, notify the Damage Control Officer. Ventilate the building if able to do so safely. Do not light any matches, lighters, etc. or turn on any device that may cause ignition.
  5. Be careful of broken glass and other sharp objects (e.g., protruding nails, jagged metal edges).
  6. If a building sustained considerable damage from the windstorm, do not enter the building until given permission by the Damage Control Officer.