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Whether you grew up on the Treasure Coast or you’re experiencing your first Florida summer, hurricane season is something every member of the Indian River State College community takes seriously. Our campuses in Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Vero Beach, and Okeechobee are in a hurricane-prone area — and being prepared is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself and the people around you. Safety here is a shared responsibility, and it starts long before a storm appears on the forecast.

Know the Lingo

If you’re new to Florida or just new to storm season, a few terms are worth knowing before you ever hear them on the news:

• Tropical Storm Watch — Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39–73 mph) are possible within 48 hours. Start reviewing your plan now.
• Tropical Storm Warning — Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39–73 mph) are expected within 36 hours. Take preparatory action immediately.
• Hurricane Watch — A tropical cyclone containing winds of at least 74 mph poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours. A watch does not mean hurricane conditions will occur, only that these conditions are possible. Begin preparations and stay alert.
• Hurricane Warning — Hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected within the specified area. The warning is issued 36 hours in advance to allow time for important preparation. Complete storm preparations and immediately leave the threatened area if directed by local officials.
• Storm Surge — Hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force — and storm surge is often the deadliest hazard of all, pushing dangerous water rapidly inland along our low-lying Treasure Coast.

How Indian River State College Will Reach You

When a hurricane threatens the Treasure Coast, Indian River State College communicates campus closures and safety updates through multiple channels:

• irsc.edu — Your first and most reliable source for official announcements
• Indian River State College student and employee email — Watch your inbox for direct updates
• Indian River State College social media — Real-time updates on Instagram, Facebook and other platforms
• WQCS and local broadcast media — Tune in for college closure information (Operated by the college, is a member of FPREN, the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network.)

When in doubt, check irsc.edu first.

Before the Storm

Indian River State College actively monitors all tropical systems that could affect our campuses. Decisions about closures and class cancellations are made as storm track and timing become clearer, and you’ll be notified as soon as those decisions are reached. The best thing you can do in the meantime? Make your plan now.

Know your evacuation zone. The Treasure Coast spans four counties — Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee — each with its own evacuation zone map. If you’re local, look up your zone before a storm is in the forecast, not after. If you live in campus or off-campus housing, confirm your zone with your housing coordinator or county Emergency Management office now.

If you’re not local, make a plan before you need one. Students who travel home or to family during a storm should know their route, keep their gas tank at least half full throughout hurricane season (June 1 – November 30), and have a reliable way to receive updates from Indian River State College while away. Fuel stations sell out quickly once a watch is issued — don’t wait.

Sign up for county alerts.

• St. Lucie County: Register for Notifications
• Indian River County: Sign up for
• Martin County: Sign up for
• Okeechobee County: Register for

Build a 72-hour emergency kit. At minimum, you’ll need three days of water (one gallon per person per day), shelf-stable food and a manual can opener, any prescription medications, a flashlight and extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a portable phone charger, copies of important documents, and cash in small bills. Plan your food around the likelihood of power loss — refrigerators don’t keep food safe for long without electricity, and electric stoves won’t work at all. A complete list can be found on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Secure your home or rental. Trim trees and bring in any loose outdoor items that could become dangerous in high winds. If you rent, talk to your landlord now about storm shutters and preparation responsibilities — before the season peaks.

During the Storm

The most important thing you can do once a storm arrives is simple: follow the guidance of local officials and stay informed. Your evacuation zone determines your risk — not every storm requires every person to leave.

If local officials order an evacuation for your zone, go. You don’t have to drive hundreds of miles to be safe — friends, family, or a designated shelter in a nearby area may be all you need. Leave early, before conditions make travel dangerous.

If you are sheltering in place, here’s what FEMA recommends:

For high winds, go to a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level. If flooding becomes a threat, move to the highest level of the building — but do not climb into a closed attic, as rising water can trap you there.

No matter what, do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn around, don’t drown — just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet, and one foot can sweep a vehicle away.

Stay off the roads, stay connected to alerts, and trust the process. The Treasure Coast has weathered storms before — and so have you.

After the Storm

The storm has passed — but the work of staying safe isn’t over yet. Before anything else, return home only when local officials say it is safe to do so.

When you do head out, avoid downed power or utility lines — they may be live with deadly voltage. Stay away and report them immediately to your power or utility company. Emergency workers may be assisting people in flooded areas or cleaning up debris. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way.

Do not walk, swim, wade, or drive through flood water. It can contain debris, chemicals, waste, and wildlife — and underground or downed power lines can electrically charge the water. Turn around, don’t drown.

If it is safe to do so, check on your neighbors, especially older adults or those who may need assistance. Save phone calls for emergencies — phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to let family and friends know you’re safe.

When you’re ready to assess your home, take photos of any damage before beginning cleanup — your insurance company will need the documentation. And don’t push yourself. Recovery takes time.

For Indian River State College campus reopening information, check irsc.edu and your IRSC email. If the college closes due to a storm, communication about make-up work, extended deadlines, and online learning options will follow as soon as the situation allows. Your academic progress will not be penalized for circumstances beyond your control.

For Indian River State College campus reopening information, check irsc.edu and your River email. Updates will also be shared through the college’s RiverAlert emergency notification system. If the college closes due to a storm, communication about make-up work, extended deadlines, and online learning options will follow as the situation allows.

Resources

Being prepared means knowing where to turn before, during, and after a storm. Bookmark these resources now — don’t wait until a storm is in the forecast.

Indian River State College

• Campus emergency updates: RiverAlert or irsc.edu
• Indian River State College Campus Safety & Security: available across all campuses

Your County Emergency Management

State & Federal

• Florida Division of Emergency Management:
• National Hurricane Center:
• FEMA:

Shelters

Download the FEMA App The FEMA app delivers real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. It also helps you locate nearby emergency shelters, access preparedness guidance, and find recovery resources after a disaster. Download it free on iOS or Android — and set it up before you need it.



Indian River State College Campus Safety & Security is available across all campuses. For campus-specific emergencies, contact the Department of Campus Safety and Security directly. If you see something, say something.


The Treasure Coast and Okeechobee are among Florida’s most resilient communities — and Indian River State College is proud to be part. We’re committed to keeping every member of our community safe, informed, and ready to rise above whatever comes our way. Make your plan today. For the latest campus emergency information, always visit irsc.edu.