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How seriously should I take hurricanes?

Hurricanes are large storms that produce fast winds and heavy rain. There are five categories of hurricanes based on wind speed.

Hurricanes can produce heavy flooding and lead to power outages and other hazardous damage. The dangerous wind speeds also make it unsafe for first responders to be on the roads during the height of the storm.

That’s why it’s critical that you have a plan for a safe location to ride-out the storm that includes stocking up on any supplies necessary to sustain you for 72 hours, should the storm’s impact prevent regular businesses and services from immediate reopening once the storm passes.

Related FAQs

All students and faculty and staff members are automatically enrolled in the UCF Alert mass notification system, but now is a good time to make sure contact information is current.

To do this, log on to getrave.com/login/ucf using your NID and password. Under the “My Account” tab, verify the information including your email address and phone number. Your UCF email address is listed by default.

To add an additional email address, such as a parent, spouse or other emergency contact, click the “add” button.

Although closing campus disrupts classes, research and normal university operations, safety is our absolute priority, and in consultation with local and state leaders, the university may decide to close its campuses.

Timing for campus closures is designed to give our community time to prepare before a storm’s forecasted impact and to evacuate if they choose.

UCF does not serve as a public shelter during hurricanes.

UCF encourages you to remember that Knights Pantry is available to take donations of any extra, unneeded hurricane supplies. Knights Pantry relies on the support of the UCF community to provide food, toiletries, and clothing to students in need. The Pantry is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Donations can be made around the clock at any of the donation bins spread across campus.

Learn more about Knights Pantry, as well as a list of items in high demand.

If it is an emergency, please call 911. For all other requests, please submit a Work Request Form at fo.ucf.edu.