In the event of a disaster or emergency weather conditions, please refer to the following channels of communication for more information:

• Information is available online at http://www.utmb.edu/alert. Should the UTMB web server go down, a second server is in place as a backup and will be available via UTMB's normal URL: http://www.utmb.edu.
• Additionally, in rare circumstances, a backup informational site may be activated at http://utmbinfo.com.
• Sign up for UTMB Alerts, the university's emergency notification system.
• Check your email and the university's official social media channels.
  • https://www.facebook.com/UTMB.edu
  • https://twitter.com/utmbhealth/
  • https://www.instagram.com/utmbhealth/
• Call the UTMB main operator at (409) 772-1011.
• Monitor local television and radio stations.

Students will be notified by their Dean’s Office, academic program, or course faculty of any changes to class modalities. Students should check their email regularly for updates.

When power outages occur on the island, students will have 24-hour access for studying and charging their devices in the following areas:

• Health Education Center
• Ground floors of the SON/SHP building
• Old Red
• Jamail Student Center
• Moody Medical Library
• UTMB Alumni Field House and its facilities (students have full access)

Blackboard
Students who become displaced and/or have issues with Blackboard should contact edtech@utmb.edu

The following links provide more detailed information:

• Blackboard Login
• FAQ & General Information (pdf)
• Using the Content Editor in Blackboard (pdf)

Evacuation & Flooding: Be Ready Before the Storm

Know your best protection from high winds and flooding. Whether you need to evacuate or shelter in place, having a plan can save lives. Take time now to gather the supplies and information you’ll need when a storm approaches.

Plan to Evacuate 
If local officials advise evacuation, do so immediately and head to a safe location.

• Know your destination: Decide where you’ll go, how you’ll get there, and where you’ll stay.
• Plan ahead for assistance: If you’ll need help evacuating or rely on public transportation, make arrangements in advance.
• Avoid unsafe shelters: Mobile homes, trailers, and RVs are not safe during tropical storms or hurricanes.

Plan to Shelter Safely
If you’re not evacuating, be prepared to shelter in place safely.

• Prepare for outages: Be ready to live without power, water, gas, phone, and internet for an extended period.
• Identify your safe space: Practice going to a designated storm shelter. If one isn’t available, choose a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that’s not prone to flooding.
• Avoid flood zones: If you live in a flood-prone area, identify a safe location on higher ground and plan to move there before floodwaters rise.
  

Extreme Heat Safety: Stay Cool, Stay Safe
Extreme heat is affecting many parts of the U.S., including Texas. With power outages continuing after the storm and high temperatures in the forecast, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and others:

• Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially older adults and those with health conditions.
• Stay hydrated: Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Watch for signs of heat-related illness, such as dizziness, nausea, headache, or confusion.
• Limit outdoor activity, especially during the hottest part of the day (typically 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing to help your body stay cool.
• Never leave people or pets in a parked car, even for a short time — temperatures can rise dangerously fast.

Cooling Centers
If you are in Texas and your home does not have power or air conditioning, cooling options are being set up across the state. Visit www.211texas.org and search under “Extreme Heat Cooling Centers” to find community cooling options near you.

Galveston County Cooling Centers

• Use generators safely: Generators can be lifesavers during power outages, but they must be used correctly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazards. Always operate generators outdoors, at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and attached garages.
• Keep refrigerators and freezers closed:
• A refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours.
• A full freezer will maintain its temperature for about 48 hours.
• Avoid opening doors unless absolutely necessary.
• Unplug appliances and electronics: Turn off or disconnect devices to protect them from power surges when electricity is restored.
• Stay off the roads: Emergency crews may be assisting with rescues or clearing debris. Staying off the roads helps keep them safe and speeds up recovery efforts.
• Avoid floodwaters: Floodwater may be contaminated with oil, gasoline, sewage, or contain dangerous wildlife.
• Never enter a flooded basement to turn off power or use circuit breakers.
• Wear gloves and sturdy, thick-soled shoes when cleaning up.
• Do not attempt to move heavy debris alone.
• Stay away from downed power lines: Always assume downed lines are live and dangerous. Stay clear and report them immediately to your utility provider.

• Galveston County Emergency Management
• Galveston County - Community Emergency Response Team
• Harris County (Official Website)
• Brazoria County (Official Website)
• Houston TranStar
• Texas Department of Transportation
• FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
• Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) (reporting tool if you sustained home damage)
• Disaster Assistance.gov

• UTMB Disaster Relief Resources
• American Heart Association - Hurricane Resources
• Catholic Charities
• Charity Navigator
• Galveston Diaper Bank
• Galveston Food Bank
• Galveston Food Bank - Social Services/Application Assistance
• Gas Buddy
• Greater Houston Community Fund
• Houston Food Bank
• Interfaith Caring Ministries
• Red Cross
• United Way