ETSU Response
East Tennessee State University has activated its ETSU Response website to provide information on how to support those affected by Hurricane Irma. Hurricane Irma made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category 4 hurricane with 142 mph winds on Sunday. It has now been downgraded but is still winding its way through much of Florida and into Georgia. Strong winds, storm surges, and heavy rains have caused major damage throughout the state as well as many island nations to our south. Approximately 6.5 million Florida residents were ordered to evacuate their homes. At least 43 deaths have been reported throughout the Caribbean and the US, including 6 deaths in Florida. Over 3.3 million Florida residents are currently without power. Many evacuees won’t know the extent of any damage for several more days, once they are able to return to their homes.
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 for Texans affected by Hurricane Harvey as well as the 2016 earthquake in Ecuador and Japan, the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, 2011 tornadoes in Greene County, the 2011 Japan tsunami, and the 2010 Millercrest Apartments fire in Johnson City.
For more information, call the ETSU Office of Student Affairs at 423-439-4210.
Students who may have been impacted by a natural disaster may be eligible for federal student aid resources through the US Department of Education. Information can be found online at https://ifap.ed.gov/ifap/disaster.jsp.
Donation & Volunteer Information Sites:
- The Center for International Disaster Information, part of the United States Agency for International Development, provides information on giving during disaster situations.
- NVOAD, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, is a coordination of multiple disaster relief organizations providing information on trusted charities for donations as well as information on official volunteer opportunities.
- Global Giving’s Irma Relief Fund is accepting donations. Global Giving vets local organizations to which it provides assistance and prioritizes distribution of donated funds long term for the affected areas.
- As always, the American Red Cross is also spearheading assistance to those affected.
On Campus Assistance and Efforts:
- The ETSU community should be aware of support services for those students, faculty, and staff who may have been affected by this ongoing disaster.
- 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.