Emergency Management

Lee County

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Charlotte County

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Collier County

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Glades County

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Hendry County

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Sarasota County

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Dear Students,

We hope you had a safe and enjoyable spring break! As you return to campus, we want to make you aware there have been cases reported and one confirmed case of measles in the state of Florida. Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread quickly in communities where individuals are not fully vaccinated.

To ensure your health and the safety of others, we strongly encourage you to take the following precautions:

1. Check Your Vaccination Status: Ensure that you are up to date on your MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, contact your healthcare provider or the university’s health services.
   
   
2. Know the Symptoms: Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic red rash. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately and avoid group gatherings to prevent the spread.
   
   
3. Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to reduce the risk of transmission.
   
   
4. Stay Home if Unwell: If you feel unwell or suspect you may have been exposed to measles, stay home and consult your physician or contact Student Health Services. Also, make sure you remain in contact with your instructors.

How to Contact Student Health Services

• To be seen by a healthcare provider or to be treated in the on-campus facility, call Student Health Services at (239) 590-7966.
• Students may schedule sick appointments through their Student Health Portal at  www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/studenthealth.
• If you need to make an immunization appointment, call (239) 590-1254. 

Your health and safety on campus is our top priority. Thank you for doing your part to keep our campus safe and healthy!

Please send questions about this email to FGCUupdate@fgcu.edu. The FGCU Update email account is operated by University Communications & Media Relations, in coordination with FGCU Emergency Management. 

This week is Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week. The National Weather Service and the Florida Division of Emergency Management will focus each day on a specific type of severe weather and create awareness on how to keep you and your family safe.

As part of this effort, the National Weather Service has scheduled a Statewide Tornado Drill at 10 a.m. February 5. Please note: FGCU is not holding a tornado drill, but we encourage you to review the tornado safety information attached to this email.

Additionally, the following resource links will provide you with important information to prepare for and respond to severe weather.

 Severe Weather Resources:

· FGCU Emergency Management: www.fgcu.edu/emergencymanagement/personalpreparedness 

· Florida Division of Emergency Management: www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/swaw 

· Lee County Emergency Management: www.leegov.com/publicsafety/emergencymanagement/plan/ahg 

Severe Weather Awareness week is an ideal time to introduce the new Emergency Response Guide. Designed as a quick reference tool, the guide outlines a unified approach for responding to campus emergencies. Campus safety and preparedness are a collective responsibility, and the guide was created to help us all prepare and stay resilient together.

The Emergency Management Team is offering information sessions on February 12 and February 27 to discuss the components of the Emergency Response Guide and using it as a resource to create a unified university response. To see the details and register, click here.

Being prepared, alert and vigilant helps protect both ourselves and others on campus.

Stay safe!

December through February is the peak of winter flu season, and reported cases of the flu, COVID-19 and respiratory illnesses are on the rise in our area. Emergency Management, along with Human Resources and Student Health Services, would like to encourage faculty, staff and students to follow healthy habits both on and off campus.

Healthy habits:

• Frequently wash your hands with warm water and soap.
• Use hand sanitizer when you can’t get to a sink.
• Regularly sanitize high-touch surfaces.
• Stay home if you are ill.
• Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. If you don't have a tissue, use your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
• While you are recovering from an illness, consider wearing a mask.
• Get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19. Click here or visit www.vaccines.gov to find a vaccination location that works for you.

Feeling sick?

• Employees: If your position allows for remote work and you are ill, reach out to your supervisor regarding the ability to work from home.
• Students: Schedule sick appointments through the Student Health Portal: https://fgcu.studenthealthportal.com/. For questions, or to schedule all other appointment types, call 239-590-7966.

Resource links:

• Florida Department of Health
• Hand washing information
• Flu season information
• Flu resources
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Flu signs and symptoms
• Flu: What to do if you get sick
• Seasonal flu vaccine basics

Please send questions about this email to FGCUupdate@fgcu.edu. The FGCU Update email account is operated by University Communications & Media Relations, in coordination with FGCU Emergency Management. 

Stay safe and healthy.

FGCU is closely monitoring Tropical Depression 18, a developing storm system in the Caribbean Sea.

While there is still uncertainty with the forecast, the storm system is currently projected to strengthen as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico later this week. The storm is tracking in a northwestern direction. As the storm passes by the greater Southwest Florida region, heavy rains and wind gusts are possible.

At this time, there are no changes to campus operations. If the university needs to adjust its schedule, we will notify you through the FGCU Update email account, RAVE Guardian Eagle App, FGCU branded social media pages and the FGCU website.

Future weather alerts are not planned at this time.

Steps to Take Now:

• Download the RAVE Guardian Eagle App
• If you recently changed your cell phone number or had a change in your emergency contacts:
  • STUDENTS: Contact the Office of the Registrar to update your information.   
  • EMPLOYEES: Log into Workday to update your information. 
• Create a preparedness plan. Attached is a hurricane preparedness presentation that provides information about this process. 
• Sign up for alert notifications in your county of residence:

• Charlotte County: Alert Charlotte 
• Collier County: Alert Collier 
• Glades County: AlertGlades 
• Hendry County: Emergency Alert Program 
• Lee County: AlertLee   

Contact Us

Please send any storm-related questions to FGCUupdate@fgcu.edu. The FGCU Update email account is operated by University Communications & Media Relations, in coordination with FGCU Emergency Management. 

Stay safe, Eagles! 

As FGCU prepares to reopen campus for full, normal operations Monday, October 14, we want to share additional resources that are available.

STUDENT RESOURCES

Student Care Services has launched an Emergency Outreach Form, which enables you to share what resources or assistance you need following Hurricane Milton. Access it today atEmergency Outreach Form (maxient.com). Student Care Services is available in person from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in Cohen Student Union, Room 288. The team can be reached by email at care@fgcu.edu or by phone during office hours at (239) 590-7900

Here are other resources that are available to you:

• 24/7 CAPS Crisis Line: (239) 745-EARS (3277)
• Togetherall: https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/student
• UBYou: https://link-to.app/ubyou.

While campus remains closed through the weekend, here is an updated list of what is available for residential student use:

• SoVi Dining: Operational 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday
• Wilson G. Bradshaw Library: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
• University Recreation & Wellness Center: 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday
• SoVi Pool: noon to 5 p.m. Sunday

EMPLOYEE RESOURCES

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Two EAP counselors will be on campus from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, October 14, in the Wilson G. Bradshaw Library, Room 431. No appointments are needed. The EAP provides services, including mental health counseling, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at (833) 746-8337 or online at www.mylifeexpert.com. Use company code: Florida.

Campus Food Pantry
FGCU’s food pantry will temporarily be available to employees during normal hours of operation starting Monday. The pantry is open from noon to 5 p.m. Monday and Friday and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The Campus Food Pantry is located in Modular 4 (Parking Lot 7), Room 32.

The Little Eagles Learning Center
Little Eagles will be available for normal hours of operation for all registered families. Contact cyamrick@fgcu.edu with any questions.

ITS Security
Historically, cyber criminals ramp up their activities after natural disasters, taking advantage of vulnerabilities and heightened concerns. Stay alert for any suspicious emails or messages, particularly those that ask for sensitive information or urge immediate action. Contact ITS by email at helpdesk@fgcu.edu to report anything suspicious.

Again, it is critical that we lead with flexibility and compassion in the days ahead as the Southwest Florida region recovers from Hurricane Milton. Employees, please be in contact with your supervisor if a situation caused by Hurricane Milton prevents you from making it back to campus.

Contact Us

Please send any storm-related questions to FGCUupdate@fgcu.edu. The FGCU Update email account is operated by University Communications & Media Relations, in coordination with FGCU Emergency Management. 

Stay safe, Eagles! 

We know many of you are facing challenges brought by Hurricane Milton, from power outages and flooding to figuring out travel plans back to Southwest Florida after evacuating. While our campus fared well during the storm, we are extending our closure plans to give our students, faculty and staff time to take care of their homes and families.

The university will remain closed through Sunday, October 13, to all activities and operations, including previously scheduled events and classes, regardless of modality. We will return to normal operations Monday, October 14.

Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm last night near Siesta Key in Sarasota County, which is roughly 90 miles north of our main campus. We are now assessing FGCU’s campus grounds, residence halls and facilities for damage.

All activities and operations, including all events and classes, remain closed through Friday. Residential units remain closed, and Housing will message students who live on campus about next steps. We will provide additional information on operations for Saturday and Sunday later today.

At this time, only activated essential personnel are allowed on campus, and we will update you about our next steps when we have completed our review of campus. Please note: these inspections take time.

We know that Milton’s impact has left many of our FGCU community with wind and water intrusion damage and many are without running water and electricity.

Students: Please be aware of key resources that are available to assist you during this time:

• 24/7 CAPS Crisis Line: (239) 745-EARS (3277)
• Student Care Services: care@fgcu.edu
• Togetherall: https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/student
• UBYou: https://link-to.app/ubyou.

Employees: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at (833) 746-8337 or online at www.mylifeexpert.com. Use company code: Florida.

If you have lost power or cell operations, please tune in to WGCU 90.1 FM (Fort Myers, Naples and Port Charlotte) and 91.7 FM (Marco Island) for community updates.

Contact Us

Please send any storm-related questions to FGCUupdate@fgcu.edu. The FGCU Update email account is operated by University Communications & Media Relations, in coordination with FGCU Emergency Management. 

Stay safe, Eagles! 

By noon today, all preparations ahead of Hurricane Milton should be complete. Please shelter in place until the storm has passed. The National Hurricane Center expects our region to feel the impacts of the storm through Thursday afternoon.

Students, please be aware of key resources that are available to assist you during this time.

• 24/7 CAPS Crisis Line is available at (239) 745-EARS (3277). For more information, visit www.fgcu.edu/counseling-and-psychological-services.
• Student Care Services is available by email at care@fgcu.edu.
• Togetherall is a safe, anonymous, online peer-to-peer community for mental health support that is free to all FGCU students. Sign up using your FGCU email: https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/student.
• UBYou is a student wellness and success app for students that offers a one-stop shop to FGCU campus resources as well as mental and physical health exercises. Sign up for free using your FGCU email: https://link-to.app/ubyou.

Employees, below are links to flyers outlining resources available through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). As a reminder, services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at (833) 746-8337 or online at www.mylifeexpert.com. Use company code: Florida.

• EAP Coping with Hurricane Milton
• EAP Hurricane Milton Resources

Stay Informed on Hurricane Milton

• Please monitor the storm’s progress through local news agencies.
• WGCU, based on the campus of FGCU, is a provider of Florida Radio Emergency Network services and will continue to broadcast critical information throughout the storm and aftermath. In the event of loss of power or cell operations, please tune in to WGCU 90.1 FM (Fort Myers, Naples and Port Charlotte) and 91.7 FM (Marco Island).
• FGCU will continue to monitor and share critical information via text alerts through the RAVE Guardian Eagle App and FGCU Update email communications. Should email not be available, please refer to the fgcu.edu website and main social media pages for the most up-to-date information about campus.

Contact Us

Please send any storm-related questions to FGCUupdate@fgcu.edu. The FGCU Update email account is operated by University Communications & Media Relations, in coordination with FGCU Emergency Management. 

Stay safe, Eagles! 

Hurricane Milton, now a Category 4 storm, continues to track toward the Gulf Coast of Florida. The weather is expected to deteriorate rapidly overnight in the greater Southwest Florida region, and it is critical that your storm preparations are complete this evening.

For those of you in need of shelter, we want you to be aware that Lee County is opening up a section of Alico Arena as a shelter for the community. Non-residential students, staff and faculty are able to make use of this public resource. For details about what to bring and other sheltering opportunities offered by Lee County, visit leegov.com.

Students who live in campus housing and choose to stay on campus for the duration of the storm will be sheltered in a private space within Alico Arena that is run by FGCU. Residential students should refer to Housing communications for details.

Contact Us 

Please send any storm-related questions to FGCUupdate@fgcu.edu. The FGCU Update email account is operated by University Communications & Media Relations, in coordination with FGCU Emergency Management.  

Stay safe, Eagles! 

As mentioned yesterday, FGCU has moved to remote operations for today. As we continue to monitor the storm, your safety is our top priority. If you need to make preparations to keep you and your family safe, or travel from the area, please do so now, and make sure you are in communication with your instructors and direct supervisor. The university will continue to remain as flexible as possible as you make these personal storm-related decisions.   

To help our FGCU community have time to prepare for the storm, recover, and help our neighbors where possible, FGCU is closing campus to all activities and operations, including all events and classes, Tuesday, October 8 through Friday, October 11.  

As the storm progresses and we assess the impacts after the storm, the university will notify you of changes to campus operations through the FGCU Update email account, RAVE Guardian Eagle App, FGCU branded social media pages and the FGCU website.   

Contact Us 

Please send any storm-related questions to FGCUupdate@fgcu.edu. The FGCU Update email account is operated by University Communications & Media Relations, in coordination with FGCU Emergency Management.  

Stay safe, Eagles! 

Tropical Storm Milton Weather Advisory 2

FGCU continues to work with weather and emergency management officials from around Southwest Florida and the state to determine Tropical Storm Milton’s impact.  

With your safety in mind, we have decided to shift to remote operations on Monday. In addition, based on the arrival time of tropical force winds to the greater Southwest Florida region, FGCU is closing campus to all activities and operations, including all events and classes both Tuesday and Wednesday.  

We will announce a decision about Thursday operations on Wednesday. The university will notify you through the FGCU Update email account, RAVE Guardian Eagle App, FGCU branded social media pages and the FGCU website.   

Here’s what to expect Monday:  

• EMPLOYEES: Monday will be a remote day. Administrative offices will be available via a remote environment, and campus will remain open for activated essential personnel. If remote work isn’t possible for your role at the university, please address this with your supervisor to create an alternative plan. 
• ACADEMICS: All academic classes will shift to remote delivery Monday. Faculty members should communicate with students this evening regarding assignments and activities that can be completed in lieu of face-to-face meetings. Students, look for communication from your instructors this evening. 

RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS: As we plan for campus closure Tuesday and Wednesday, Housing and Residence Life staff will send additional communication with more specific directions to ensure the safety of our residential students. 

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL:  The FGCU EOC will move to Level 2 (Partial Activation) on Monday. If essential personnel are needed for pre-storm or post-storm operations, you will be contacted by a RAVE Text Alert from the FGCU EOC or directly by your supervisor. Please do not self-deploy. 

We understand that there are members of our FGCU community who commute to campus from other areas of the Gulf Coast, and some of you may be thinking of evacuating from the area. Employees, as you make personal storm-related decisions, make sure you are in communication with your direct supervisor for guidance. Students, as you make personal storm-related decisions, make sure you are in communication with your instructors. 

Contact Us 

Please send any storm-related questions to FGCUupdate@fgcu.edu. The FGCU Update email account is operated by University Communications & Media Relations, in coordination with FGCU Emergency Management.  

Stay safe, Eagles!

Tropical Storm Milton Weather Advisory 1

FGCU is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Milton, a developing storm system in the Gulf of Mexico. The National Weather Service expects the system is likely to strengthen and could become a hurricane while it moves over the Gulf of Mexico early next week.  

While there is still uncertainty with the forecast, the system is expected to move toward the Florida Peninsula. As the storm passes, Southwest Florida will experience heavy rain, coastal flooding and the potential for strong winds.  

At this time, there are no changes to campus operations, including classes. If the university needs to adjust the schedule, we will notify you through the FGCU Update email account, RAVE Guardian Eagle App, FGCU branded social media pages and the FGCU website.   

The next FGCU Update email will be shared by 3:30 p.m. Sunday 

Steps to Take Now:

• Download the RAVE Guardian Eagle App
• If you recently changed your cell phone number or had a change in your emergency contacts:
  • Employees: contact the Workday to update your information
  • Students: contact the Office of the Registrar to update your information
• Create a preparedness plan. Attached is a hurricane preparedness presentation that provides information about this process.
• Sign up for alert notifications in your county of residence:
  • Charlotte County:Alert Charlotte 
  • Collier County:Alert Collier 
  • Glades County:AlertGlades 
  • Hendry County:Emergency Alert Program 
  • Lee County:AlertLee   

Contact FGCU Update:  

Please send any storm-related questions to FGCUupdate@fgcu.edu. The FGCU Update email account is operated by University Communications & Media Relations, in coordination with FGCU Emergency Management.   

Stay safe, Eagles!   

September 27, 2024: Hurricane Helene Weather Advisory 7 - Employees

As Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend last night, high tide coupled with the storm’s outer bands led to widespread flooding and power outages throughout the greater Southwest Florida community. We thank you for your patience as we pivoted plans for today’s operations.

A thorough inspection of campus today shows our grounds, facilities and utilities were not affected by Hurricane Helene, and staff remain on campus cleaning up the minor amount of storm debris we experienced.

All Saturday and Sunday academic activities, including classes, labs and online courses, will continue as normal. FGCU will return to all normally scheduled classes, events and activities Monday, September 30.­

We know that many of you are facing unique circumstances caused by Helene, and we want you to know that supervisors have been directed to lead with flexibility as we return to normal operations. If you cannot return to campus, please contact your supervisor to let them know of your situation.

Below is a list of resources available to employees:

Payroll Information

Please review the attached message shared earlier this week about payroll instructions related to time entry for campus closures. The campus was closed Thursday and Friday.

Employee Loan Program

Loans are available to faculty and staff who face financial hardship as they work through FEMA and insurance to recover from the loss and damage of their homes, vehicles and personal belongings related to the storm.

All impacted employees hired prior to Hurricane Helene are eligible to apply for up to $10,000. Loans are interest free and will be paid back through payroll deduction over the next three years. Employees will need to provide documentation as part of the application process. Applications will be reviewed and funds awarded on a case-by-case basis, as long as funds are available.

Applications are available at https://fgcuhr.formstack.com/forms/employee_emergency_loan_program. If you have questions, contact Sara Stensrud as sstensrud@fgcu.edu. 

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The EAP provides services, including mental health counseling, are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at (833) 746-8337 or online at www.mylifeexpert.com. Use company code: Florida.

An EAP counselor will be on campus Monday, September 30, from 8 a.m. to  3 p.m. in the Cohen Student Union. No appointments are needed.

FGCU’S Community Counseling & Education Center

The center provides non-crisis/emergency services to FGCU employees and community members. The center operates when FGCU is open. For more information, call (239) 745-4777 or visit www.fgcu.edu/mariebcollege/counseling/communitycounseling.

What’s Open On Campus?

Today, all campus operations remain closed, but campus functions will ramp up steadily this weekend. Here is a list of what is available Saturday and Sunday:

• Cohen Student Union: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday | 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday
• Wilson G. Bradshaw Library: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday | 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday
• University Recreation & Wellness Center: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday | 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday
• Aquatics Center: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday (closed Sunday)
• SoVi Pool: noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
• Einstein Bagels: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
• SoVi Dining: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Note: Other facilities not mentioned in this list, including use of The Waterfront, will not reopen until Monday. Questions about the status of events should be directed to organizers.

Contact Us

Please send any storm-related questions to FGCUupdate@fgcu.edu. The FGCU Update email account is operated by University Communications & Media Relations, in coordination with FGCU Emergency Management.

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September 27, 2024: Hurricane Helene Weather Advisory 7 - Students

As Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend last night, high tide coupled with the storm’s outer bands led to widespread flooding and power outages throughout the greater Southwest Florida community. FGCU thanks you for your patience as we pivoted plans for today’s operations.

A thorough inspection of campus today shows our grounds, facilities and utilities were not affected by Hurricane Helene, and staff remain on campus cleaning up the minor amount of storm debris we experienced.

All Saturday and Sunday academic activities, including classes, labs and online courses, will continue as normal. FGCU will return to all normally scheduled classes, events and activities Monday, September 30.­

We know that many of you are facing unique circumstances caused by Helene, and we want you to know that instructors have been directed to lead with flexibility as we return to normal operations. If you cannot return to campus, please contact your instructor to let them know of your situation and to make arrangements if you need to make up your classwork.

What’s Open On Campus?

Today, all campus operations remain closed, but campus functions will ramp up steadily this weekend. Here is a list of what is available for students Saturday and Sunday:

• Cohen Student Union: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday | 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday
• Wilson G. Bradshaw Library: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday | 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday
• University Recreation & Wellness Center: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday | 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday
• Aquatics Center: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday (closed Sunday)
• SoVi Pool: noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
• Einstein Bagels: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
• SoVi Dining: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Note: Other facilities not mentioned in this list, including use of The Waterfront, will not reopen until Monday. Questions about the status of events should be directed to organizers.

Student Support Resources: Please be aware of key resources that are available to assist students during this time.

• 24/7 CAPS Crisis Line is available at (239) 745-EARS (3277). For more information, visit www.fgcu.edu/counseling-and-psychological-services. 
• Togetherall is a safe, anonymous, online peer-to-peer community for mental health support that is free to all FGCU students. Sign up using your FGCU email: https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/student.

• UBYouis a student wellness and success app that enables students with a one-stop shop to FGCU campus resources as well as to mental and physical health exercises. Sign up for free using your FGCU email: https://link-to.app/ubyou.
• Student Care Services is available by phone at (239) 590-7900 and email at care@fgcu.edu. The referral form is available online, and Care Services is available in person from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in Cohen Student Union, Room 288.

• The University Police Department can be reached at (239) 590-1900. You can also download the RAVE Guardian Eagle App to have two-way communication with UPD’s dispatch team and call UPD with the touch of a button, sounding an alarm in dispatch that will automatically share a person’s location on campus. Students who are off-campus and experience an emergency should call 911.

Contact Us

Please send any storm-related questions to FGCUupdate@fgcu.edu. The FGCU Update email account is operated by University Communications & Media Relations, in coordination with FGCU Emergency Management.

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September 26, 2024: Hurricane Helene Weather Advisory 6

Based on the information we have received on the ongoing impacts of Hurricane Helene, and in coordination with other local agencies and school districts, FGCU is canceling all classes and business operations for Friday, September 27. Stay safe, and we plan on returning to normal operations Saturday, as conditions allow.

Contact Us

Please send any storm-related questions to FGCUupdate@fgcu.edu. The FGCU Update email account is operated by University Communications & Media Relations, in coordination with FGCU Emergency Management. 

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September 26, 2024: Hurricane Helene Weather Advisory 5

FGCU officials continue to monitor the impacts Hurricane Helene is having on the greater Southwest Florida as it passes in the Gulf. The storm is now a Category 3 and is expected to strengthen before it makes landfall in the Big Bend. Although the area around campus could see heightened winds overnight as the last bands of the storm roll through, campus grounds, facilities and utilities have not been affected by the storm.

FGCU plans to return to normal business operations and classes Friday. If we need to transition to a remote option due to local impacts, FGCU will notify the campus community via the FGCU Update email account and RAVE Guardian Eagle App. The information will also appear on our branded social media pages and be posted to our website.

We understand that there are members of our FGCU community who commute to campus from other areas of the Gulf Coast, and you may be facing unique circumstances triggered by Hurricane Helene that will prevent you from traveling to campus Friday. Additionally, we know you may have decided to evacuate to another area.

• Students, your instructors have been directed to lead with flexibility as we return to normal operations. Please contact your instructor to let them know of your situation and to make arrangements to make up your classwork.
• Employees, your supervisors have been directed to lead with flexibility as we return to normal operations. Please communicate your unique situation with your supervisors.

Contact Us

Please send any storm-related questions to FGCUupdate@fgcu.edu. The FGCU Update email account is operated by University Communications & Media Relations, in coordination with FGCU Emergency Management. 

Stay safe, Eagles!

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September 25, 2024: Hurricane Helene Weather Advisory 4

As we announced yesterday, FGCU will be closing campus to all operations, including class and events, starting at 9 p.m. this evening. The university will remain closed Thursday, and we will announce our operational plans for Friday by 3 p.m. Thursday.

As you make storm-related decisions that are in your best interests:

• Students: make sure you are in communication with your instructors.
• Employees: make sure you are in communication with your direct supervisor for guidance.

We also recognize this is a difficult time for many members of our FGCU community. We want you to be aware of key resources that are available to assist students and employees during this time.

STUDENTS:

• 24/7 CAPS Crisis Line is available at (239) 745-EARS (3277). For more information, visit www.fgcu.edu/counseling-and-psychological-services. 
• Togetherall is a safe, anonymous, online peer-to-peer community for mental health support that is free to all FGCU students. Sign up using your FGCU email: https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/student
• The University Police Department can be reached at (239) 590-1900. You can also download the RAVE Guardian Eagle App to have two-way communication with UPD’s dispatch team and call UPD with the touch of a button, sounding an alarm in dispatch that will automatically share a person’s location on campus. Students who are off-campus and experience an emergency should call 911.

EMPLOYEES:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services, including mental health counseling, are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at (833) 746-8337 or online at www.mylifeexpert.com. Use company code: Florida.
• FGCU’S Community Counseling & Education Center provides non-crisis/emergency services to FGCU employees and community members. The center operates when FGCU is open. For more information, call (239) 745-4777 or visit www.fgcu.edu/mariebcollege/counseling/communitycounseling. 

Contact Us

Please send any storm-related questions to FGCUupdate@fgcu.edu. The FGCU Update email account is operated by University Communications & Media Relations, in coordination with FGCU Emergency Management.

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September 24, 2024: Tropical Storm Helene Weather Advisory 3

FGCU continues to monitor the development of now Tropical Storm Helene, which is quickly gaining strength and continues to track toward the Big Bend region of Florida. The storm is anticipated to reach major hurricane status before landfall, and it is projected to be a Category 3 storm as it passes our region in the Gulf.

Based on the arrival time of tropical force winds to the greater Southwest Florida region, FGCU is closing campus to all activities, including all events and classes, beginning at 9 p.m. Wednesday. The university will remain closed to all classes, activities and operations through Thursday.

We will announce a decision about Friday operations by 3 p.m. Thursday.

RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS | There is no evacuation of residential students, and housing community offices will remain open. Additional communications will come out directly from Housing with more details.

Contact Us

Please send any storm-related questions to FGCUupdate@fgcu.edu. The FGCU Update email account is operated by University Communications & Media Relations, in coordination with FGCU Emergency Management. 

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September 24, 2024: Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine Weather Advisory 2

FGCU continues to work with weather and emergency management officials from around Southwest Florida and the state to determine Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine’s impact to our region. The storm is expected to be near hurricane strength early Wednesday and a major hurricane by Thursday.

If we need to adjust campus operations, FGCU will notify you through the FGCU Update email account, RAVE Guardian Eagle App, FGCU branded social media pages and the FGCU website.

We understand that there are members of our FGCU community who commute to campus from other areas of the Gulf Coast, and some of you may be thinking of evacuating from the area. As you make personal storm-related decisions:

• Employees: make sure you are in communication with your direct supervisor for guidance.
• Students: make sure you are in communication with your instructors.

The next FGCU Update email will be shared by 3 p.m. today.

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September 23, 2024: Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine Weather Advisory 1

FGCU is closely monitoring Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, a developing storm system in the northwestern Caribbean Sea. The National Hurricane Center expects it to become a major hurricane in the coming days.

While there is still uncertainty with the forecast, the system is expected to move quickly toward the Panhandle. As the storm passes, Southwest Florida could experience strong winds, heavy rainfall and coastal flooding Thursday and Friday.

At this time, there are no changes to campus operations. If the university needs to adjust the schedule, we will notify you through the FGCU Update email account, RAVE Guardian Eagle App, FGCU branded social media pages and the FGCU website

The next FGCU Update email will be shared by 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Steps to Take Now:

• Download the RAVE Guardian Eagle App
• If you recently changed your cell phone number or had a change in your emergency contacts:
  • Employees: contact the Workday to update your information
  • Students: contact the Office of the Registrar to update your information
• Create apreparedness plan. Attached is a hurricane preparedness presentation that provides information about this process.
• Sign up for alert notifications in your county of residence:
  • Charlotte County:Alert Charlotte 
  • Collier County:Alert Collier 
  • Glades County:AlertGlades 
  • Hendry County:Emergency Alert Program 
  • Lee County:AlertLee   

Contact FGCU Update:

Please send any storm-related questions to FGCUupdate@fgcu.edu. The FGCU Update email account is operated by University Communications & Media Relations, in coordination with FGCU Emergency Management. 

Stay safe, Eagles! 

Parking Advisory  September 24, 2024

Per FGCU Parking Regulation 8.005(B), “The University assumes no liability for damage to vehicles parked or operated on University premises. Any such damage is a risk assumed by the owner or operator of the vehicle.” If utilizing a university parking garage, be aware that the first floor of all garages will be closed due to potential flooding during and after the storm. All vehicles must display a current FGCU parking permit.

National Weather Service

National Hurricane Center

Storm Prediction Center

Florida DEM

State Department Travel Alerts and Warnings

CDC Travel Travel Health Notices

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Department of Homeland Security