What To Do
- Drop to the ground.
- Take cover under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture. Avoid bookcases or furniture that can fall on top of you.
- Stay indoors until the shaking ceases and it's safe to exit.
- Never leave a pet or child in an enclosed vehicle.
- Drink non-caffeinated fluids even if you do not feel thirsty and avoid alcohol.
- Wear loose, lightweight clothing and avoid dark colors.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, outdoor games or activities during the hottest part of the day.
- If the fire is small, use a fire extinguisher to eliminate it.
- If you smell smoke or suspect a fire, call USCPD at 803-777-4215 or dial 911 to report the location.
- To evacuate, use stairs. DO NOT use an elevator.
- If the air is smoky, get as low as possible, hold your breath and move quickly.
- If you're trapped, break a window (as a last resort) and hang a towel outside to let firefighters know you're trapped.
- DO NOT drive onto a flooded road or through flowing water.
- If you approach a flooded roadway, turn around.
- DO NOT drive unless absolutely necessary.
- DO NOT walk, swim or play in flood water.
View flood-prone areas on or near campus.
- Learn the elevation level of where you are and whether the land is flood-prone to judge your vulnerability to storm surge or tidal flooding.
- Know your evacuation route.
- Be prepared to evacuate quickly if needed.
- During a hurricane, stay indoors and do not visit riverbanks, beaches or flooded areas.
- DO NOT walk or swim through floodwater.
- If caught in rapidly rising water in your car, get out and move to higher ground as quickly as possible.
- Return after evacuation only when authorities say it's safe.
- Pick a safe area to gather in your home away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
- If you have time, secure large outdoor items or stow them inside.
- Avoid outdoor activities if lightning is a possibility — even if it's not raining.
- Avoid being inside dangerous or dilapidated structures. Sheds, dugouts and picnic shelters are not safe.
- If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and wait to travel until it's safer.
- If you're outdoors and cannot reach a building, avoid the following areas:
- high ground
- water
- tall, isolated trees
- metal objects such as fences or bleachers.
- Find a safe place at home where you can gather such as a basement, storm cellar or a lower-floor, interior room free of windows.
- In a high-rise, if you can't get to the lowest floor; get to the center of the building.
- Mobile homes are not safe.
- Keep supplies on-hand to support you for at least three days.
- Keep any heat sources away from all furniture and drapes.
- Know how to shut off your water in case a pipe ruptures.
- Prepare your car for winter weather and keep an emergency kit inside with an ice scraper, blanket and other essentials.
- Bring pets inside during extreme cold.
- Fill a gallon jug with water and place in your freezer in case you lose power to help keep food cold.