Hurricane Irene Emergency Instructions for CCI Participants
A message from CCI Work & Travel Department
Attention CCI Work & Travel Participants:
This is an important update from CCI on Hurricane Irene. If you are working and living anywhere along the East Coast, it’s important you read the below and stay tuned to weather and evacuation reports in your area. Remember - don’t hesitate to ask your employer for assistance in understanding what’s required for visitors and residents in your area.
Be Cautious - Do not swim in the ocean because high winds can create dangerous currents. Avoid flooded areas and downed power lines. Stay inside during a storm if possible and away from glass and potential falling object. Follow safety instructions from your employer and the local news.
Be Informed - Watch the local news for storm advice and updates. The television channel or website of your local news station may be the first to inform you if Hurricane Irene will be a threat to your community and if an evacuation is necessary. Check the National Weather Service website for updates on the storm: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at4.shtml?5day
The following are states that have issued evacuations, please see the websites for phone numbers and links to the state emergency website:
- North Carolina http://www.ready.gov/america/local/nc.html: Mandatory evacuations for Hyde County (this includes Ocracoke Island), Dare County (Manteo, Nags Head, Duck, Kitty Hawk), Cateret County, Currituck County.
- Virginia http://www.ready.gov/america/local/va.html: Evacuation of Norfolk, Hampton Roads
- Maryland http://www.ready.gov/america/local/md.html : Evacuation of Ocean City
- Delaware http://www.ready.gov/america/local/de.html : Evacuation of coastal areas
- New Jersey http://www.ready.gov/america/local/nj.html : Evacuation of Atlantic City and surrounding islands, Seaville to Galloway Township, Cape May County’s barrier islands, Long Beach Island, Ocean County.\
- New York http://www.ready.gov/america/local/ny.html : No evacuations yet, officials are considering evacuation of Coney Island and Manhattan Beach
For other states, please search on http://www.ready.gov/america/local/index.html. Please note that this website can be viewed in other languages.
The above information was found on: http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/08/25/hurricane.irene.state.by.state/index.html?hpt=hp_c2 (accessed 8/26/2011, 1:17pm)
For your area, you can search your city or ZIP code on http://www.spc.noaa.gov/. Enter your city name or zip code into the pink box on the left side of the screen to get updated information.
Be Prepared– Be sure you have drinking water, dry and canned foods, flashlights, and batteries in case of power outages. Read more about hurricanes on the National Weather Service website: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/hurricane/pdfs/hurricane-safety_flyer.pdf
In the event of an evacuation, remember to:
1. Take important documents with you! This includes passport, Form DS-2019, Form I-94, Social Security Card, financial records, plane ticket, checks, credit cards, etc.)
2. Take contact numbers and e-mail addresses with you! Bring CCI’s website address (cci-exchange.org) and contact information in case you are displaced by the hurricane. CCI needs to always know where you are and that you are safe!
3. Contact your family members to let them know you are safe and how you can be reached.
Contact your Employer - If you have questions about how the storm will affect your community, talk to your employer. They may have experienced a hurricane before and can advise you on what to do.
Stay Calm & Follow Instructions - As in any emergency, stay calm and follow the instructions of police and other emergency officials. They will be working to keep you safe. In the event that you evacuate or seek temporary shelter, please call CCIto let us know where you are and that you are safe. If you do not have access to a telephone, call CCI when access becomes available. If necessary, we will notify your sending organization in your home country so they can speak with your family.
CCI is Here to Help - CCI regular office hours are 9:00-5:30 CST, Monday through Friday. In case of an emergency outside regular office hours, you may reach a CCI representative at our 24-hour emergency phone at 1-866-788-7804. Otherwise, if you have any questions or concerns regarding your program, health, safety or wellbeing during regular office hours, please call us at 1-866-684-9675, toll free.
Additional Assistance - On Call, an assistance company associated with CCI Aetna Insurance, offers emergency response planning as well as evacuations on a fee for services basis. Please feel free to contact Global Response Center available 24/7 at 866-525-1958 or 603-328-1958 directly if you have any questions.