Check back often throughout the storm to see the latest updates from SEU.
August 29, 12:30 p.m. Update
The Southeastern University Emergency Response Team (SERT) is continuing to monitor Hurricane Idalia and consult local, state and national agencies.
The current track shows that the Lakeland campus can expect tropical storm force winds beginning this evening.
Please know, SEU has made all of the necessary preparations in the event that severe weather is experienced.
Cancellations
As announced yesterday, classes and co-curricular activities scheduled for after 5 p.m. today will be canceled and rescheduled as needed.
Classes and co-curricular activities will also be canceled on Wednesday, August 30, until 5 p.m. University offices will be closed on Wednesday, with the exception of essential personnel.
The campus will remain open for residential students.
We expect to resume normal university operations on Thursday, August 31.
Online Classes
Online classes will continue as scheduled. Students should communicate with their professors if they are impacted by the storm.
SEU Alert System
Emergency alerts will be sent out during the storm through the SEU Alert System. The SEU email address of all students, faculty and staff have been registered with the service provider (InformaCast). Additionally, SEU community members can use the InformaCast app to update their profile information, to include adding or changing mobile numbers to receive text messages or phone calls from the system, as well as selecting or removing the methods by which these alerts are delivered. If parents would like to receive SEU Alert notifications, they can text #SEUParents to 863-213-3613.
The InformaCast server can be accessed here. The InformaCast Mobile app is also available from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Updates will also be posted to the SEU website and social media channels.
Safety Reminders
Your safety is our priority, and with the possibility of tropical storm conditions in our area, I would like to take this time to remind you of some important safety tips for dealing with extreme weather conditions:
Before the storm arrives:
- Check the websites of your local National Weather Service office and the Polk County Emergency Operations Center. Find out what type of emergencies could occur and how you should respond.
- Make sure you have a plan, whether it is to leave the area or shelter-in-place, and that Campus Life staff and your family know what those plans are.
- Make sure that you have an emergency supplies kit prepared and available.
- Sign up for SEU Alerts (for further details, see the attached instructions).
- Stay informed about campus plans by checking your SEU emails and looking at the SEU.edu website.
- Keep your phone and other electronic devices fully charged.
- Try to park your vehicle in a safe location that isn’t under large tree limbs or power lines.
During the storm:
- Stay indoors and away from windows.
- Ensure that you have your emergency supplies and flashlight handy in case of power outages. DO NOT use candles.
- Monitor SEU Alert emergency notifications for important information.
- Do not leave shelter or attempt to drive in tropical storm or hurricane conditions.
After the storm:
- Monitor SEU Alert notifications and stay indoors until the “all clear” is given.
- If you must go out after the “all clear” is given, watch for fallen objects on walkways or in the road, downed electrical wires, and weakened walls, bridges, roads and sidewalks that might collapse.
- Drive, only if necessary, and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
______________________________________________________
August 28, 4:30 p.m. Update
The Southeastern Emergency Response Team is continuing to monitor the path of Tropical Storm Idalia, which could impact Central Florida starting late Tuesday evening. We are working with local and state agencies to provide you with updated information regarding the potential impact to our campus.
The current track shows that we can expect tropical storm-force winds (ranging from 39 to 73 mph) to begin impacting our area on Tuesday evening.
At this time, there are no changes planned to university operations for Tuesday, August 29; however, classes and co-curricular activities scheduled for after 5 p.m. tomorrow will be canceled and rescheduled as needed.
Out of an abundance of caution, classes and co-curricular activities will also be canceled on Wednesday, August 30, until 5 p.m. University offices will also be closed on Wednesday, with the exception of essential personnel.
We expect to resume normal university operations on Thursday, August 31.
Depending upon the severity of the storm, certain restrictions may be put in place for residential students. Information will be communicated to residential students by Student Development and the SEU Alert system.
SEU Alert System
Emergency alerts will be sent out during the storm through the SEU Alert System.The SEU email addresses of all students, faculty and staff have been registered with the service provider (InformaCast). Additionally, SEU community members can use the InformaCast app to update their profile information, to include adding or changing mobile numbers to receive text messages or phone calls from the system, as well as selecting or removing the methods by which these alerts are delivered. If parents would like to receive SEU Alert notifications, they can text #SEUParents to 863-213-3613.
Please continue to check your email and follow our website and social media for updates.
______________________________________________________
August 28, 10:00 a.m. Update
A tropical storm watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for all of Polk County, Florida, including the Southeastern University campus. A tropical storm watch means tropical storm-force winds are possible somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours.
The SEU Emergency Response Team will meet several times per day to monitor the storm and provide regular updates. At this time, classes and normal business operations will continue as scheduled. Updates will be shared about any changes to campus schedules or events as soon as they are available. Critical information will also be sent through the SEU Alerts system if the situation warrants.
