Declaring Severe Weather: Decision-Making Process
Because of the diverse and numerous customers served by Duke and the multiple locations at which services are delivered, efficient discussion of the weather conditions is required to enable appropriate and coordinated decisions for each locale and work shift.
The following criteria will be considered in declaring a severe weather or emergency condition for each shift:
- Condition or anticipated worsening condition of local streets and highways in the general locale of each campus/entity.
- Other conditions that may pose a threat to the safety of students, patients, faculty, staff and visitors.
The decision to activate or deactivate the policy is made within the context of the Duke University Emergency Management Plan. Duke Police confers by conference call with the Executive Vice President, Provost, DUHS Executive Vice President, Emergency Coordinator and Deputy Emergency Coordinator, and the University Executive Vice President will make the decision on activating and/or terminating the severe weather/emergency conditions policy for each shift. Once implemented, the policy will remain in force for the duration of the work shift.
Where the policy is activated or terminated, institutional communication procedures will be followed. Staff members will also need to implement communication steps, as appropriate, with their supervisors.
NOTE: On rare occasions the Marine Lab will need to evacuate students from the campus in anticipation of dangerous weather (such as the imminent arrival of a hurricane). The director of the Marine Lab will decide when evacuation is necessary. The Maribe Lab website will provide ongoing updates regarding student residential status.