Connecting Learning, Life and Aloha
‘O ka ‘imi na‘auao, ke ola a me ke aloha kā kākou e huliāmahi ai

Emergency Operations Plan

Student and Parent Emergency FAQ

The safety and security of our students, staff, and families are our top priorities.

Is UH Hilo a community shelter?

No buildings on campus have been designated as community shelters. People should shelter in their homes, residences, or open community shelters.

A list of designated community shelters on Hawaiʻi island (the Big Island) are published on a case-by-case basis by Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense .

A statewide list of community shelters (PDF) is published by the Hawaiʻi State Civil Defense.

Where can I find information regarding emergency preparedness drills or protocols for hurricanes, flash flood warnings, tsunamis, etc.?

General emergency management information can be found on the UH Hilo Emergency Operations website.

For more specific information please refer to the following guides:

Are State or Federal Emergency Information Resources Available?

Yes. The following State and Federal agencies provide emergency information:

Are the residence halls open during the hurricane?

Yes, residence halls will be fully operational at all times, unless evacuation protocol is necessary.

What are the plans for students living in the residence halls?

At this time, our residential communities will be sheltering-in-place during the storm. We are continually monitoring the situation and working closely with UH, federal, state, and county officials, and are preparing in the event that an evacuation is required. If deemed necessary, evacuation plans are in place. All residents are being instructed to be in direct communication with their resident assistants and residence managers as they will be leading all efforts in ensuring student safety.

Have students living in the residence halls been informed of safety protocols?

Yes. Prior to the storm, briefings were held in each of our residential communities to prepare residents for shelter-in-place procedures and storm updates. This also includes our housing staff contacting students by going door to door. In the event that moving residents is necessary, proper evacuation to a safer space will be initiated to another residence hall or building on campus. Reminders and emergency contact information are posted in all residence halls and we are encouraging residents to be in direct communication with their families. In addition to the supplies we are providing residents, we are also asking them to have their own emergency supplies of an extra blanket, flashlight, batteries, medications, a first aid kit, 3-day supply of water and nonperishable food items.

In the residence halls, what are the plans to provide food service during the emergency?

Sodexo Dining Services is the food service provider for UH Hilo Housing. Sodexo maintains a 2-week emergency supply of food and water for instances such as this. Housing also has an Emergency Kitchen that we will access in the event of a power outage. Backup generators will be operable so that food service will not be interrupted.

For the period of August 23–26, 2018, the Hale Kehau Dining Hall hours are:

Thursday, August 23, 2018
Lunch - 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Dinner - 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Friday, August 24, 2018
Brunch - 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dinner - 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 25, 2018
Brunch 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Dinner: 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 26, 2018
Brunch - 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Dinner: 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Munchies - 9:00 p.m. - 12 midnight

In the event of a campus-wide power outage, residential students who are not on the meal plan will be able to go to the Hale Kehau Dining Hall to eat. Please note that Hale Kehau Dining Services are only provided for residential students during the emergency period.

What should a student do if they are living in the residence halls and their medication needs refrigeration?

Students with medication requiring refrigeration have their own refrigerator in their room. In the event of a power outage, students with medication requiring refrigeration can make arrangements with Housing staff to have refrigeration provided in the Emergency Kitchen.

How can I stay in contact with my student?

Students are strongly encouraged to communicate and develop safety plans with their families. Students and their families should download apps/alternative means of communication with each other in case of a power outage.

Students in residence halls will continue to receive more specific communications and instructions from their respective student housing office. However, please do not hesitate to contact them with any questions or concerns at (808) 932-7403.

In cases of emergencies, families may also contact the front desk of the student’s residence hall. The office’s voicemail is checked on a regular basis and messages will be delivered directly to the student’s room.

Our residence hall desk phone numbers are as follows:

  • Hale Alahonua - (808) 932-7581
  • Hale ʻIkena - (808) 932-7620
  • Hale Kanilehua - (808) 932-7621
  • Hale Kauanoe - (808) 932-7498
  • Hale Kehau - (808) 932-7625

The original 100% tuition and fees refund date is August 28, 2018. Is this deadline still in effect?

No. Due to potential effects of Hurricane Lane, the 100% refund date has been extended to Friday, August 31, 2018 at 4:00 pm HST.

The last day to register/add courses/change grading options is August 28, 2018. Is this deadline still in effect?

Yes.

Where can I find UH Hilo updates regarding the hurricane?

Updates of the hurricane and its impact on the university and Hawaii Island (the Big Island) are being transmitted via @hawaii.edu email, UH Alerts, our Emergency page and by the university’s Facebook and Twitter social media channels.

Is there a list of UH Hilo resources available in cases of all emergencies?

Yes.

Safety Reminders

  • Keep emergency numbers handy. This includes the Hawaiʻi County Police Department non-emergency number (808) 935-3311 and 911 emergency response.
  • Campus Security Office: (808) 974-7911 or (808) 932-7644.
  • Keep On-Campus Housing Services numbers handy: (808) 932-7403 and hall/apartment RA on-call or community desk numbers.
  • Make a plan for contacting family in the event of an emergency and phone service is out.
  • Store some basic emergency supplies: an extra blanket, flashlight, batteries, medications, first aid kit, 3-day supply of water, and non-perishable food items.
  • Do not go to the beach.
  • Sign up for UH Alert to be informed via text about emergency situations.