With the Gulf Coast still recovering from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, forecasters are predicting a “very active” 2006 hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting 13 to 16 named storms, with eight to 10 becoming hurricanes, of which four to six could become hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher.

In preparation for the hurricane season, University of Houston administrators are encouraging faculty, staff and students to review UH’s online Emergency Management Plan at www.uh.edu/emergency/.

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, 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.

Emergency information will be provided to KUHT-TV (Channel 8) and KUHF-FM (88.7 FM). 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.

The Emergency Information Resource Guide site offers an overview of the communication and information process, shelter-in-place procedures and the building evacuation plan, security tips during an emergency, a Severe Weather Response Planning Kit and links to governmental Web sites.

Francine Parker
fparker@central.uh.edu