Weather Notices

Don’t be caught off guard when severe weather strikes! Read the information below to help you and your neighbors stay safe.

What To Do During a Flood and Heavy Rain

Flooding is often an effect of prolonged severe weather. However, under some conditions, a flood can hit suddenly, known as a flash flood. Flood conditions can cause extensive damage, shut down transportation, and even impede communication systems. Heavy rain, even without flooding, can cause significant damage to property if not properly protected.

Be Informed

Be Prepared

  • Remain alert for the potential of severe weather.
  • Be sure all windows are closed, including bedrooms and suite/apartment common areas, stairwells, bathrooms, other public spaces, and vehicles. This will aid in flood prevention.
  • Bring items into your apartment from balconies and patios to avoid damage and airborne hazard.
  • Secure your bike to a community bike rack.
  • Report any issues related to water leaking or flooding immediately to your Service Desk.
  • In the event of power loss, have a flashlight and extra batteries on hand.  (Note: Lit candles are not permitted for fire safety reasons.)
  • If you are unable to close a window, please submit a work order prior to 5pm via your resident portal at www.southcampuscommons.com.

Be Safe

  • Be careful when venturing outside during any storm.
  • Report down trees, tree limbs, standing water, or debris on campus to 301.314.9675.
  • Report emergencies immediately to University Police at 301.405.3333.

Visit Resident Life’s emergency preparedness website for additional information about how the University prepares for and responds to Severe Weather.

What To Do During a Hurricane

Be Informed

Be Prepared

  • Remain alert for the potential of severe weather.
  • Be sure all windows are closed, including bedrooms and suite/apartment common areas, stairwells, bathrooms, other public spaces, and vehicles. This will aid in flood prevention.
  • Bring items into your apartment from balconies and patios to avoid damage and airborne hazard.
  • Secure your bike to a community bike rack.
  • Report any issues related to water leaking or flooding immediately to your Service Desk.
  • In the event of power loss, have a flashlight and extra batteries on hand.  (Note: Lit candles are not permitted for fire safety reasons.)
  • If you are unable to close a window, please submit a work order prior to 5pm via your resident portal at www.southcampuscommons.com.
  • Keep keys, ID, cash and credit cards, a flashlight, batter-operated radio, and extra batteries with you.
  • Unplug appliances, television, computer, etc. to avoid power surge problems.
  • Know the whereabouts of roommates and neighbors

Be Safe

  • Be careful when venturing outside during any storm.
  • Report down trees, tree limbs, standing water, or debris on campus to 301-314-9675.
  • Report emergencies immediately to University Police at 301.405.3333.
  • SOUTH CAMPUS COMMONS Stay clear of elevators to avoid possibility of being trapped)
  • If you are unable to evacuate prior to a hurricane, take shelter immediately. Find an interior room away from windows and sharp objects that could become airborne.
  • For added protection, get under something sturdy such as a table, to protect yourself from projectiles. If unable to move or use anything more robust, find blankets or pillows for protection.

Avoid taking shelter where there are heavy objects nearby (such as the refrigerator). If possible also avoid taking shelter directly beneath these area.

After the storm passes

  • After you know you are safe, alert family and friends – but limit the number and length of calls
  • Monitor conditions on radio or television news. Stay indoors until it is safe.
  • When going outside, be extra careful when walking on wet and slippery surfaces. Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid potentially hazardous areas.

Visit Resident Life’s emergency preparedness website for additional information about how the University prepares for and responds to a Hurricane.

What To Do During a Power Outage

Be Informed

  • Monitor local weather reports at sources such as WTOP 1500 AM radio, WTOP 103.5 FM radio, local television stations, www.weather.com, and www.weather.gov/
  • Register for UMD Alerts, if you haven’t already done so (www.alert.umd.edu).
  • Check to see if the outage is localized to your apartment or if is community-wide.
  • DO NOT call 911 to report a power outage. Report a localized power outage to your Service Desk. A community wide power outage will be reported to PEPCO by on-site staff.

Be Prepared

  • Minimize opening of your refrigerator and freezer. This can extend the life of your food. Carefully check food for spoilage prior to use.
  • Turn off and unplug computer, radio, television, and other personal electronics to avoid a power surge when the power is restored.
  • For widespread power outages, monitor the local news for updates. Information is also often sent through UMD alerts.
  • Remember, cordless telephones do not work during a power outage. Keep a corded landline phone plugged into your room’s phone jack.

Be Safe

  • Stay calm. Stay in your room or go to a place where you feel safe and comfortable.
  • Be mindful that climate control systems will not operate during a power outage.
  • Apartment lighting will not work during an outage. Use flashlights and keep extra batteries on hand.   DO NOT USE CANDLES!
  • SCC Emergency lights from backup generators will minimally illuminate stairwells and lobbies.   Emergency generators also power the fire safety system.
  • CTY Backup generators will power fire safety systems, hallway lighting, and exterior emergency lighting.

For extended power outages

  • You can extend the life of food during an extended power outage by using a cooler and packing your refrigerated items with ice. Visit the Food Safety and Inspection Service’s page on Food Safety in an Emergency for more information about food safety.
  • For widespread and extended outages, be alert for notices regarding water filtration failures. It is recommended to use bottled or treated water for consumption during an outage.
  • Minimize travel. Congestion is likely if traffic lights are out. If you must travel, be extra cautious and treat every intersection as an all-stop intersection when traffic lights are non-functioning.
  • During times of low temperatures, dress in layers and use extra blankets to keep warm.
  • During times of high temperatures, dress in light clothes and drink plenty of water. Keep windows open, when safe, to allow better ventilation.

Visit Resident Life’s emergency preparedness website for additional information about how the University prepares for and responds to Power Outages

What To Do During a Tornado

When a Tornado Watch or Tornado Warning are issued, please pay attention to local, televised weather forecasts, or http://www.weather.com/weather/today/College+Park+MD+20740. Be extra cautious and consider your safety first!

Be Informed

Be Prepared

  • WHAT IS A TORNADO WATCH?

A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms and multiple tornadoes in and close to the watch area. People in the affected areas are encouraged to be vigilant in preparation for severe weather.

  • WHAT IS A TORNADO WARNING?

A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted by spotters or indicated on radar and is occurring or imminent in the warning area. If a tornado warning is issued, people in the affected area are strongly encouraged to take cover immediately.

  • SIGNS OF AN APPROACHING STORM

You cannot always depend on seeing the funnel, as rain, hail, and clouds can block your view. Keep alert for the following signs that a storm could be coming:

–       A dark or green-colored sky

–       A large, dark, low-lying cloud

–       Large Hail

–       A loud roar that sounds like a freight train

If you notice any of these weather conditions, take cover and keep tuned to a local radio or TV station.

Be Safe

  • If you see a funnel cloud nearby, take shelter immediately. Find an interior room away from windows and sharp objects that could become airborne.
  • For added protection, get under something sturdy (such as a table) to protect yourself from projectiles. If unable to move or use anything more robust, find blankets or pillows for protection.
  • Avoid taking shelter where there are heavy objects nearby (such as the refrigerator). If possible also avoid taking shelter directly beneath these areas
  • If you are caught outside, keep clear from trees. If in a motor vehicle, do not try to outrun the tornado. Stop the vehicle and take shelter. Cars, buses, and trucks are easily tossed by tornado winds.

Visit Resident Life’s emergency preparedness website for additional information about how the University prepares for and responds to a Tornado.

What To Do During an Earthquake

Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place, and if you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

Be Informed

Be Prepared

  • Report any issues related to damage to your Service Desk.
  • In the event of power loss, have a flashlight and extra batteries on hand.  (Note: Lit candles are not permitted for fire safety reasons.)
  • Be alert for possible aftershocks.

Be Safe

If indoors

•DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture, and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.

•Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.

•Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.

•Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, load-bearing doorway.

•Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.

•Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

If outdoors

•Stay there.

•Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.

•Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If in a moving vehicle

•Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.

•Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris

•Do not light a match.

•Do not move about or kick up dust.

•Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.

•Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

Visit Resident Life’s emergency preparedness website for additional information about how the University prepares for and responds to Earthquakes.

What To Do During Extreme Heat

When forecasts call for extremely high temperatures, it is important that we all take steps during the day to ensure that we keep safe and all apartments are protected.

Be Informed

Be Prepared

  • Avoid running the air conditioning and opening the windows at the same time.
  • Close windows when leaving your apartment, especially for an extended period.
  • Be mindful of moisture in your apartment, and report any suspected organic growth immediately.
  • Report HVAC malfunctions via the resident portal.
  • If you experience a heating malfunction during the night, or if flooding occurs due to a broken pipe, please contact your Service Desk for assistance.

Be Safe

  • Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of cool, non-alcoholic and low sugar liquids.
  • Be mindful of your daytime activities and exposure to the sun and heat.
  • Wear protective clothing and sunscreen.
  • Be mindful of feelings of sickness, as this could indicate dehydration.

If you cannot close a window completely or your heating unit is not functioning properly, please submit a work order immediately via the resident portal to report the problem so that maintenance staff can respond and address the problem as soon as possible.

Visit Resident Life’s emergency preparedness website for additional information about how the University prepares for and responds to Extreme Heat.

What To Do During Severe Thunderstorms

Severe thunderstorms can hit at any time, and at times with little warning for the degree of severity. These storms can include a wide range of weather conditions, including rapidly fluctuating temperatures, heavy precipitation, fog, lightning strikes, high winds, and flooding.

Be Informed

Be Prepared

  • Remain alert for the potential of severe weather.
  • Be sure all windows are closed, including bedrooms and suite/apartment common areas, stairwells, bathrooms, other public spaces, and vehicles. This will aid in flood prevention.
  • Bring items into your apartment from balconies and patios to avoid damage and airborne hazard.
  • Secure your bike to a community bike rack.
  • Report any issues related to water leaking or flooding immediately to your Service Desk.
  • In the event of power loss, have a flashlight and extra batteries on hand.  (Note: Lit candles are not permitted for fire safety reasons.)
  • If you are unable to close a window, please submit a work order prior to 5pm via your resident portal at www.southcampuscommons.com.

Be Safe

  • Be careful when venturing outside during any storm.
  • If a tornado warning is issued, take shelter at once.  (A warning indicates that severe weather has been sighted or is indicated by weather radar)
  • Report down trees, tree limbs, standing water, or debris on campus to 301.314.9675.
  • Report emergencies immediately to University Police at 301.405.3333.

Visit Resident Life’s emergency preparedness website for additional information about how the University prepares for and responds to Severe Weather.

What To Do During Severe Wind

Severe wind can hit at any time, and at times with little warning for the degree of severity. Severe wind can cause vehicular accidents, power outages, flooding, and severe damage to property and trees.

Be Informed

Be Prepared

  • Remain alert for the potential of severe weather.
  • If alerted to possible severe wind conditions, be sure all windows are closed, including bedrooms and suite/apartment common areas, stairwells, bathrooms, other public spaces, and vehicles.
  • Bring items into your apartment from balconies and patios to avoid damage and airborne hazard.
  • Secure your bike to a community bike rack.
  • Report any issues related to water leaking or flooding immediately to your Service Desk.
  • In the event of power loss, have a flashlight and extra batteries on hand.  (Note: Lit candles are not permitted for fire safety reasons.)
  • If you are unable to close a window, please submit a work order prior to 5pm via your resident portal at www.southcampuscommons.com.

Be Safe

  • Be careful when venturing outside during any storm.
  • If a tornado warning is issued, take shelter at once.  (A warning indicates that severe weather has been sighted or is indicated by weather radar)
  • Report down trees, tree limbs, standing water, or debris on campus to 301.314.9675.
  • Report emergencies immediately to University Police at 301.405.3333

Visit Resident Life’s emergency preparedness website for additional information about how the University prepares for and responds to Severe Wind.

What To Do During Winter Weather

When winter weather (snow, sleet, ice, freezing temperatures) occurs, Maintenance Staff will be working throughout the day to clear the stairs and sidewalks of snow and ice. Residents are requested to also take necessary precautions for the weather to protect themselves and their apartment.

Be Informed

Be Prepared

  • Do not park too close to the curb and the sidewalks as the snow plow will need to be able to clear them. (Vehicle bumpers should not protrude over the sidewalk)
  • Secure your bicycle to a bike rack and bring in all balcony items.
  • Report facilities-related concerns immediately via your resident portal. For emergencies, you may contact your Service Desk who will get in touch with the Student Staff on duty.
  • Keep your cell phone charged and have a flashlight on hand in the event of power loss.  (Never use lit candles, which are a fire hazard and are prohibited from use in residence halls).
  • Windows must be closed completely. Windows that are left open, even slightly, put us at risk for frozen pipes and/or pipe breaks which can cause flooding and property damage.

Be Safe

  • Be cautious when walking and driving.
  • Make your personal safety your top priority if you must be outside during inclement weather. Be safe, make smart choices, and be mindful of your behavior; all community rules will remain in effect during University closures.
  • Call University Police at 301.405.3555 to report emergency situations, downed power lines, or other dangerous conditions on campus.

Protect Your Apartment During Extreme Cold

  • Please clear any personal items that could be blocking heating vents and make sure your heat is turned on to at least a low setting until daytime temperatures warm back up.
  • Open your cabinets (kitchen and bathroom) and laundry room door to improve circulation of heat to these areas.

Visit Resident Life’s emergency preparedness website for additional information about how the University prepares for and responds to Winter Weather.