ETSU Response
East Tennessee State University has activated its ETSU Response website to provide information on how to support those affected by Hurricane Florence and how to find resources and support if needed. Hurricane Florence has the potential to significantly impact many areas throughout the southeast United States. Heavy rains and gusty winds continue to threaten, and many residents have been displaced from their homes or forced to evacuate. Governors in NC, SC, GA, and VA declared states of emergency and 1,000 National Guard troops have been deployed ahead of the storm to help assist preparation and recovery efforts.
The ETSU Response website has been used several times in the past to give individuals a way to provide assistance for victims of disasters both near and far, including most recently those affected by Hurricanes Maria, Irma, and Harvey.
For more information, contact the ETSU Office of Student Affairs at (423) 439-4210.
Evacuee Housing and Other Resources
ETSU Housing and Residence Life has some short-term guest housing available to students and their family members impacted by the storm. Contact (423) 439-4446 for more information.
The Florence Evacuation Support in East TN / W NC / SW VA Facebook group links evacuees with local housing and other resources.
Local businesses have made their facilities available free of charge or at reduced rates:
- Bristol Motor Speedway offers free camping to evacuees. Call (866) 415-4158.
- Quantum Trampoline and USA Raft have made facilities available.
- Visit Johnson City Facebook page lists area hotels offering reduced rates for evacuees.
Student and Employee Support Resources
Members of the ETSU community should be aware of support services for those students, faculty, and staff who may have been affected.
- The ETSU Counseling Center provides personal counseling for students, as well as outreach and referrals. Students
may access the ETSU Counseling Center.
at (423) 439-3333. The Counseling Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. The Bucs Press 2 service is available 24/7 by dialing (423) 439-4841 and pressing 2 for a counselor. - The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a resource for faculty and staff members who need counseling support and referral to other resources. Assistance is available 24/7 by calling (855) 437-3486.
- The BucsCARE website is meant to be a resource for students and for student referral. BucsCARE includes the most referenced offices and campus resources in various categories. Student referrals may be made to Student Affairs by submitting a CARE Report.
- For those students living in impacted areas and either commuting to campus or taking online classes, we recommend reviewing class absence policies in your course syllabi. If your online connectivity or ability to commute is affected, please contact Student Affairs at (423) 439-4210. We can help with Emergency Notifications to professors and discuss options.
Donation and Relief Opportunities
Charity Navigator – A list of highly rated organizations set to respond in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, including those providing general aid and relief, medical services, and more. We encourage careful review of any charity efforts. Visit Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information to learn more.
ETSU Leadership & Civic Engagement within the Student Organization Resource Center (SORC) is the clearinghouse for student response efforts. The American Red Cross of Northeast Tennessee is working with this office about specific requests. Contact serve@etsu.edu or (423) 439-6633.
Donate blood through Blood Assurance. Make an appointment online or call (423) 328-3152.