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Emergency Preparedness

Florida Southern's Emergency Management Team plans for emergencies year-round so the campus can respond quickly and keep our community safe. This page explains how we prepare, how we will reach you, and how you can be ready.

 

Need Help Now

In a life-threatening emergency, call 911. For campus emergencies, call campus safety.

Call Campus Safety

How You'll Be Notified

If anything significantly affects normal college operations, we will alert the community through the college website, the emergency text message system, and campus channels.

Emergency text alerts

Every student is automatically enrolled in our text notification service for time-sensitive information like emergencies and weather cancellations. Parents can opt in to receive these alerts as well.

Emergency hotline

During emergency situations, anyone can call 863.680.4101 to hear a recorded message about the status of campus, including whether it is operational and who is expected to report.

Hurricanes and Severe Weather

Florida's hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. During this time, our Emergency Management Team monitors tropical storms that could affect Polk County and coordinates with county emergency personnel.

Make a Communication Plan

We encourage students and families to agree on a plan ahead of time, including how you will reach each other if phone or internet service is disrupted.

Know Your Designated Area

Designated areas for tornadoes and other emergencies are posted in every building. Check your residence hall or building so you know where to go.

Review Your Emergency Plan

Students can review their personal emergency plan anytime on the FSC Portal, under "Students" then "Emergency Plan."

Stay Informed

Florida Southern announces campus closings, cancellations, and reopenings through emergency text alerts and the Omnilert app, and on local TV and radio. Television: WFLA 8, Bay News 9, WTSP 10, WTVT 13 Radio: WPCV 97.5 FM, WWRZ 98.3 FM, WONN 1230 AM, WLKF 1430 AM The resources below offer storm tracking, shelter information, and safety guidance before, during, and after severe weather.

Emergency Plans and Policies

Florida Southern maintains detailed plans for a range of emergencies so our community knows what to do and what to expect. These official documents are available for students, families, and staff to review: