News Summary
As hurricane season approaches, the University of South Florida (USF) is intensifying its efforts for hurricane preparedness amid rising anxiety in the community. Collaborating with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, USF aims to address mental health concerns stemming from previous storms. With comprehensive plans in place and emphasized mental health resources, the university anticipates the upcoming hurricane season and urges students to create emergency plans. Local forecasts predict several storms, prompting continued focus on personal safety measures and community readiness.
Tampa, FL – As hurricane season approaches, the University of South Florida (USF) is ramping up efforts to enhance hurricane preparedness amidst growing anxiety within the community. This year’s hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, a period characterized by the formation and intensification of tropical storms in the Atlantic Ocean, as outlined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
In response to increased mental health concerns following the storms of last year, USF is collaborating with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay to strengthen preparedness measures. The Crisis Center reported a significant rise in calls related to stress, totaling approximately 3,500 calls received after Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck the region. Notably, about 90% of these calls were provided some form of mental health support.
With the memories of last year’s back-to-back storms still fresh, many students, including Zoey Evans, a sophomore majoring in biomedical sciences, have experienced heightened anxiety during hurricane season. This anxiety is echoed by many in the community, prompting USF’s Emergency Management director to note the importance of preparedness going into the 2025 season. Following last year’s hurricanes, the university struggled to recover fully before being hit with additional storms.
One of USF’s significant initiatives is its comprehensive hurricane preparedness plan, overseen by the Emergency Management team. This team is responsible for disaster preparedness and response on campus, including managing AlertUSF communications, which provide critical updates during emergencies. Furthermore, the university has contracted with external vendors who specialize in hurricane remediation services to bolster its storm preparations.
USF has achieved StormReady certification from the National Weather Service for the 2025-26 year, confirming its commitment to maintaining robust emergency procedures. The university also offers SKYWARN training for community members interested in learning about storm spotting, as well as access to WeatherSTEM for real-time weather updates on campus.
USF representatives actively participate in the annual Governor’s Hurricane Conference, focusing on strategies for effective hurricane planning and preparedness. In addition to physical readiness, the university places a strong emphasis on mental health resources, including counseling services and crisis hotlines available for students facing anxiety or distress related to storm threats.
Community leaders, including representatives from the Crisis Center, stress the need for students to develop emergency plans with their roommates and friends. This preparation encompasses having a list of reliable local weather sources to consult for accurate updates as storms approach. Anxiety related to hurricanes is a common concern, making it all the more vital for individuals to have a plan in place.
As forecasts for the upcoming 2025 hurricane season emerge, local officials are utilizing lessons learned from past storms to prepare for what is anticipated to be an average to slightly above-average level of storm activity. Colorado State University estimates that the upcoming hurricane season could see up to 17 named storms and 9 hurricanes, with 4 of those likely to be categorized as major storms. Meanwhile, NOAA provides a broader prediction of 13 to 19 named storms for the season, including 6 to 10 hurricanes and 3 to 5 major hurricanes.
Factors influencing the unpredictable nature of the season include a neutral phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation and cooler tropical water temperatures, creating uncertainty in predictions. Despite these variables, USF and local officials remain focused on preparedness, underscoring the importance of personal safety measures, such as packing emergency kits and understanding evacuation zones established to ensure the safety of residents during storms.
With hurricane season looming, USF and the surrounding Tampa Bay community continue to prioritize readiness, aiming to mitigate stress and promote safety in a region historically vulnerable to tropical storms.
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Additional Resources
- USF Oracle
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Season
- Fox 13 News
- Google Search: Hurricane Preparedness
- Fox 13 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
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