Hurricane Florence has made landfall today and will affect the South and North Carolina coastline. Georgia is also under a state of emergency in preparation for the category two hurricane. If you are near or in these areas, be safe and take every precaution. Natural disasters happen every year and the last thing on your mind is school. Here are some tips for handling your online courses when faced with a natural disaster. 

Be proactive

First, be proactive in keeping up to date with natural disasters and monitor the weather. Regularly check the weather in your area and sign up for your community’s warning system. If you know when a natural disaster is going to strike, email professors ahead of time and let them know you might be impacted. Give your professors updates when you can and come up with a plan. If possible, work on assignments ahead of time so you don’t get behind. Be prepared if the power goes out in your home and consider a backup generator.

Be prepared

In addition to being proactive, make sure you have a plan in place for natural disasters. According to ready.gov, become familiar with evacuation zones, routes and shelter locations. Create your own evacuation plan and seek safe shelter. Gather supplies to last three days including food, medication, water, First Aid kit and pet supplies. Review your insurance policies and board up any windows. Remember to charge your cell phone and fill up your car’s gas tank.

Be safe, dawgs!

For more information, visit UGA’s Emergency Preparedness website.