For students, it is critical to know what to do in case of emergency. Any response to a catastrophic incident will be directed by the campus officials charged with the responsibility for coordinating and implementing a specific plan of action, and students should always follow the directions of our Public Safety officers. There are some general actions that students should take to be prepared. Below are some helpful tips and informative websites that provide information to keep students prepared for an emergency.

General Information

• Keep prescription medication(s) filled and readily available. In an emergency or severe weather evacuation, obtaining prescriptions may be difficult or impossible.
• Have a family plan for making contact and meeting. Don't wait until an emergency strikes to coordinate a family plan.
• Pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative that family members can call as alternate contacts. (it may be easier to call out-of-state than within the affected area).
• Call only when absolutely necessary — phone communications are usually overloaded during emergencies.
• Follow all instructions immediately — safety is the primary concern.

Evacuation Information

• The College is prepared to transport students to alternative housing within the state for those students who may not have a place to stay during an evacuation. These residence hall students are typically international and out of state students. However, commuter students who notify the Office of Residence Life that they require assistance once an evacuation has been ordered may be included
• Look for communication posters that will be put up by residence hall staff. These posters will relay information regarding staff contact, specific instructions and meeting places for transport. Know the name and phone number of your RA and Residence Hall Director.
• All residence hall students must make contact with either the RA or Residence Hall Director to: (a) sign up for transport to another location for alternate housing; (b) indicate where they will staying and provide a contact phone number if they will not be transported by the College to another location for alternate housing; and (c) notify family member(s) of intended location (staying with friends or another relative) and appropriate phone numbers to be reached by family if not utilizing College transport to alternate housing.
• Bring a pillow, blanket, changes of clothes, towel, prescription medication(s), a small amount of emergency cash, and basic toiletry items; Each student must register at the door of the bus before boarding. Students signed up for bus transport must return on the bus.

Non-Evacuation Information

• When alternate transport to an off-site location is not necessary or unavailable due to the nature of the emergency, students living within the community who require assistance for emergency housing should inform the Office of Residence Life and Housing.
• Students should look for communication posters that will be put up by residence hall staff. Such posters will relay information regarding staff contact, specific instructions, designated safe areas and relocation facility if required (i.e., glass exposure during tropical storm).
• Know the name and number of your RA and Residence Hall Director. All residence hall students must make contact with either the RA or Residence Hall Director to: (a) indicate where they will be if they choose not to stay in College of Charleston designated facilities and provide a phone number where contact may be made; and (b) notify family member(s) of intended location (staying on campus or staying with friends or another relative) and contact phone numbers.
• Students living in Charleston-style residence houses will be moved to appropriate designated facilities and should bring a pillow, blanket, changes of clothes, towel, prescription medication(s), basic toiletry items and a jug of water. Periodic information meetings with students in facilities will be conducted to keep them informed.

For those who reside off campus within the Tri-county area, the following websites are valuable in preparing your residence for any emergency situation:

• American Red Cross Family Disaster Planning
• American Red Cross Homeland Security Advisory System Recommendations
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• FEMA Disaster Supplies Kit