Hurricane Warning: Prepare for Severe Weather
June 1 marks the start of this year's hurricane season, which means it's time to check your radio, flashlight and supply of batteries -- and to review Duke's severe weather
and emergency conditions policy. It's critical that each faculty and staff member understands his or her role in ensuring the protection, safety and health of all patients, students,
staff and faculty before an emergency strikes.
Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are not uncommon in North Carolina, and in the past have resulted in injured residents, downed power lines and damaged buildings. This year,
forecasters expect approximately 13 named storms, in addition to seven major hurricanes, by the time the season ends on Nov. 30.
During such emergencies, Duke must maintain essential services and operations, including hospital operations, safeguarding students, operating research facilities, and providing
necessary support and administrative services.
To ensure continuous operations during these conditions, staff may be required to work on-site, as designated by their service level:
- Essential Service: employees are required to report to, or remain at, work.
- Reserve service: employees will be contacted by their supervisor at the time of a severe weather event and instructed about whether to report to work.
- Delayed service: employees will not report to or remain at work in the case of severe weather.
Supervisors should confirm the service category assignment, review the department's plan for severe weather and emergency conditions, and explain work expectations based on
the assigned service designations with all staff. Additional information about this policy is available at the Severe Weather web site.
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For more information about hurricane hazards and how to stay safe during the storms, visit the National Hurricane Awareness Week web site.
