International students from across the USF campus attended the April 18 Hurricane Awareness event conducted by the International Student Support and Emergency Management teams. The event generated a wide range of questions about supply kits, shelters, and flood zones, helping students to feel more confident on making a plan of action during inclement weather.
Learning what not to include in your disaster supply kit can be just as important as what to include, some of the students learned. Carlos Otero, an undergraduate student from Colombia, said that he would use battery operated flashlights, after learning that lighted candles can pose a fire hazard during a hurricane. Kristin-Grace Braynen added that she also learned not to light matches during hurricanes, but said that this came as a culture surprise to her. “In the Bahamas,” she said, “people are taught to light gas stoves in case the power goes out.”
Some students said that their learning about the safety of their locations as well as emergency facilities was comforting to them. Silvana Chain, an undergraduate student from Colombia, said that she was frightened by the wind and water of a previous hurricane, but said that this workshop helped her to feel more confident about identifying a nearby shelter should she need to evacuate. Silvana’s friend, Paula Briceno, said that she was comforted to learn that she was not located in a flood zone. “I learned from the maps where I would need to evacuate just in case, and now I feel prepared,” she said.
Others indicated that finding the right snacks in advance was vital to the planning process. Aniket Joshi, a Ph.D. student from India, said that he learned terrific new tips for packing disaster supply kits. “I’m going to pack lots of water, medicine, chips and other non-perishable items,” Aniket said. Arii Wada, an undergraduate student from Japan, felt more prepared to pack foods, knowing that some goods can spoil and others might be inedible should power be lost. Dariya Alibi, an undergraduate student from Kazakhstan, said that the event reminded her that disaster supply kits were not just for humans. “I know now to her to pack for my dog, as well!” she said.
Rob Marlowe and Michelle Canne from USF Emergency Management mentioned that they enjoy participating in these events, because it’s an engaging way to interact with such a niche group of students. “I feel like the level of detail and scope of activities planned for Hurricane Awareness expands every event and we can see the impact that it’s having on our international students." Michelle added, "We often learn as much from the students and their experiences in coping with hurricanes. It’s just refreshing to see their eagerness to learn about weather hazards, and their willingness to plan!”
The USF International Student Support team will host another Hurricane Awareness event on July 2 from 10am to 1:00pm in the FAO Lobby.