Arlene was the first of possibly 12 to 15 tropical storms that may wreak havoc on the United States during this year’s hurricane season, according to forecasters. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also warns that seven to nine of the storms could become hurricanes.

With that in mind, University of Houston administrators have updated UH’s online Emergency Information Resource Guide at www.uh.edu/emergency/ for use by faculty, staff, students and their parents.

The guide provides pertinent information, including UH’s Emergency Management Plan and an overview of the communication and information process. The plan states that UH President Jay Gogue (or his designee) is the only person authorized to close the university.

Once the decision is made to close the university, faculty, the information will be communicated as quickly as possible through electronic and voice mail, the UH home page at www.uh.edu, the UH Today Web site at www.uh.edu/uhtoday, UH OnCall at 713-743-2255 and the UH switchboard at 713-743-1000.

KUHT-TV (Channel 8) and KUHF-FM (88.7 FM) have agreed to air emergency information as soon as possible. Area television stations, including Channels 2, 11, 13, 26, 39, 45 and 47, will be notified. Local radio stations, including KLTN (FM 102.9) and KTRH (AM 740), also will be informed.

Additionally, the Emergency Information Resource Guide site offers security tips during an emergency, a Severe Weather Response Planning Kit and links to governmental Web sites.

Francine Parker
fparker@central.uh.edu