Eduardo J. Padrón
President
Office of the President
300 N.E. Second Avenue
Miami, Florida 33132-2297
305-237-3316
epadron@mdc.edu
Message From the President
Monday, August 22, 2011
Potential Impact of Hurricane Irene Serves as Emergency Preparedness Reminder
Nearly two decades have passed since Hurricane Andrew wreaked havoc in South Florida. While we have not experienced a severe storm in our community for several years, this week's anniversary of Hurricane Andrew, paired with the development of Hurricane Irene in Puerto Rico, serves to remind us that we must be prepared for hurricane season.
While it is too early to predict Hurricane Irene's direct impact on South Florida, expert forecasts indicate that Miami may experience tropical-storm-force winds (sustained winds at 39-73 mph) late Thursday afternoon into Friday. The College is monitoring the storm's progress and we will send you updates as circumstances change.
At this time, I urge you to please take the necessary precautions to prepare your home and office environments. The College has several communication tools in place to keep you apprised of storm activity and its impact on operations:
- MDC Hotline: 305-237-7500. Provides general information and updates.
- MDC Employee Hotline: 305-237-7505. Provides more detailed information about College and campus conditions, essential employee work schedules and plans.
- MDC Alerts: Registered users will receive an alert from the College's wireless emergency notification system when there are recommended protective actions or a change in normally scheduled College operations. If you have not signed up for MDC Alerts, please do so at the MDC Alerts Web site.
- MDC Home page: www.mdc.edu. Provides general information and updates.
- Email: Important information regarding the status of operations will also be sent to employee and student email lists.
- Local media: Postings regarding College closing and reopening information and other important news will be communicated to the major media.
- Human resources' Hurricane Preparedness Guides or http://www.readysouthflorida.org.
Thank you for taking the time to review your emergency-preparedness plans and for remaining vigilant during hurricane season. We will keep you posted.
Eduardo