EMERGENCY WEATHER INFORMATION

Although it is a rare occurrence, Houston occasionally is subject to weather conditions such as tropical storms, hurricanes, ice storms and even snow, that can cause flooding, impassable roads, and power outages. In the event of severe weather in Houston, students should be alert for announcements of the closing of the UT-Houston (UT-H) campus. These announcements are broadcast by a variety of local television and radio stations.

The GSBS will close when our first parent institution (UT-H or M. D. Anderson Cancer Center) closes and will re-open when the last one re-opens. [This policy applies only to classes - students should return to laboratories as directed by their advisors or tutorial directors.]

Television Channels:

• Channel 2 KPRC (NBC affiliate)
• Channel 11 KHOU (CBS affiliate)
• Channel 13 KTRK (ABC affiliate)
• Channel 26 (KRIV)
• Channel 39 (KHCW)
• Channel 45 (KXLN)
• Channel 47 (KTMD)

Radio Stations:

• 950 AM (KPRC)
• 740 AM (KTRH)

Telephone Numbers:

• Call 713-500-9996 for UT-H closure (Toll-free: 1-866-237-0107)
• Call 713-792-7464 for M. D. Anderson closure
• Call 713-500-9850 for GSBS information
• Call 713-500-7999 for offices located at the Medical School
• Call 713-741-5001 for Harris County Psychiatric Center

On the Internet:

• If the university closes because of severe weather, the university's home page will carry an emergency message at the top of the page to announce the closure. It will provide a link to information about university emergency closure procedures.

• M. D. Anderson Cancer Center's Web site reports the current operating status of the institution.

• The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences' home page, if operable, will include the current status of classes and other pertinent information.
  
  
• Staff and students can also log onto www.school-closings.net for a complete list of area closings, including UT-Houston.
  

Hurricane and Flood "Before-and-After" Handbook

Emergency Supplies:

Local media give ample warning when severe storms are possible, and it is wise to be prepared for bouts of heavy rain. It is recommended that you have on hand a variety of essential items.

• Extra food. There may be instances when street flooding will prevent you from getting to a grocery store or restaurant. Keep a stock of essential foods, especially those that don't need refrigeration or don't require cooking in case of a prolonged power loss. Don't forget pet food if you have a dog or cat.
  

• Bottled water. Severe flooding can contaminate local water supplies, and prolonged power outages can interfere with the city's water purification and pumping systems. Thus, having bottled drinking water is a wise precaution. Some people even suggest filling your bathtub with fresh water for washing and flushing the toilet if the city water supply is threatened.
  

• Flashlights with fresh batteries. In case of a power outage. Candles also can be useful.
  

• Radio with fresh batteries. This will allow you to hear any emergency announcements during a power loss.
  

• Masking tape. Very high winds can break windows. Some Houston residents recommend putting strips of tape over large windows to minimize the spread of broken glass should the window blow in.

Driving can be very dangerous when streets are flooded. it is common for water to accumulate in low areas (such as under highway bridges) and it often is difficult to estimate the depth of the water. You should not attempt to drive on flooded streets unless absolutely necessary. Because of the city drainage system and the characteristics of the local soil, flooding can recede as quickly as it appeared. Your best option is to wait an hour or two after the rain stopped, by which time the streets usually are clear.