Student and Parent Emergency FAQs

First and foremost, our students’ safety and security are our top priorities.

Is UH Mānoa a community shelter?

No buildings on campus have been designated as shelters. People should shelter in their homes, wherever home is. If necessary, shelters will be open in the community.

A list of designated hurricane shelters on Oʻahu can be found via an interactive map provided by the City and County of Honolulu.

A statewide list can be found at: redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html

Where can I find information regarding emergency preparedness drills or protocols for hurricanes, flash flood warnings, tsunamis, etc.?

General emergency management information can be found on the UH Mānoa’s Department of Public Safety emergency page.

For more specific information please refer to the following guides:

Are State or Federal Emergency Information Resources Available?

Yes. The following State and Federal agencies provide emergency information:

Will students living in the residence halls be informed of safety protocols prior to a major storm event?

Yes. Prior to a major storm event, briefings will be held in each of our residential communities to prepare residents for shelter-in-place procedures and storm updates. Evacuation procedures will also be covered. In the event that moving residents is necessary, proper evacuation to a safer space will be initiated to another residence hall or building on campus. Reminders and emergency contact information are posted in all residence halls and we are encouraging residents to be in direct communication with their families. In addition to the supplies we are providing residents, we are also asking them to have their own emergency supplies of an extra blanket, flashlight, batteries, medications, a first aid kit, 3-day supply of water and nonperishable food items.

In the residence halls, what are the plans to provide food service during the emergency?

Student Housing Services and Mānoa Dining Services maintains a 2-week emergency supply of food and water for instances such as this. Additionally, we are making preparations to provide food service to on-campus students in the event of a power outage. In the event of a power outage, backup generators will be operable to support the cafeterias in the residence halls so that food service will not be interrupted.

In the event of a campus-wide power outage, residential students who are not on the meal plan will be able to go to Gateway Cafe to eat.  Please note that Mānoa Dining Services are only provided for on-campus students during an extended emergency period.

How can I stay in contact with my student?

Students are strongly encouraged to communicate and develop safety plans with their families. Students and their families should download apps/alternative means of communication with each other in case of a power outage.

Students in residence halls will continue to receive more specific communications and instructions from their respective student housing office. However, please do not hesitate to contact them with any questions or concerns at vcs@hawaii.edu.

Where can I find UH Mānoa updates regarding an emergency event?

Updates of an emergency event and its impact on the university will be transmitted via email, UH Alerts, our Emergency page and by the university’s Facebook and Twitter social media channels.

You can contact the UH Mānoa student housing office with any non-emergency questions or concerns at: vcs@hawaii.edu. For emergencies, call the UH Mānoa Department of Public Safety at (808) 956-6911.

Is there a list of UH Mānoa resources available in cases of all emergencies?

Yes.

Safety Reminders

  • Keep emergency numbers handy. This includes the Department of Public Safety (808) 956-6911 or (808) 973-2899 and 911 emergency response.
  • Keep Student Housing Services numbers handy: housing contact information (including hall/apartment RA on-call or community desk numbers).
  • Make a plan for contacting family in the event of an emergency and phone service is out.
  • Store some basic emergency supplies: an extra blanket, flashlight, batteries, medications, first aid kit, 3-day supply of water, and non-perishable food items.
  • Do not go to the beach during hurricane or tsunami conditions.
  • Sign up for UH Alert to be informed via text about emergency situations.
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