Broward College Experts for 2014 Hurricane Season

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (July 1, 2014) – As the 2014 hurricane season approaches, Broward College experts are available to discuss issues surrounding hurricane preparation and awareness, including:

Debra Hauss, a Workforce Development clinician and emergency nurse specialty coordinator at Broward College and Memorial Healthcare System, has more than 17 years of experience working on the South Florida Medical Assistance Team. Hauss is available to provide information on hurricane preparedness for the general public, the elderly and disabled, as well as caregivers.  She can be reached at 954-201-4855 or  dhauss@broward.edu .

Kenneth Shives, associate dean of the Institute of Public Safety at Broward College, has more than 20 years of police experience with the Coral Springs Police Department. He is available to discuss how to prepare for a storm. Shives can be reached at 954-201-6801 or  kshives@broward.edu .

Marcus Robinson, director of safety and the chief fire official at Broward College, is available to discuss how to safely operate a generator during a power outage in order to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as precautions to take when using grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices. Robinson can be reached at 954-201-5323 or  mrobins2@broward.edu .

Natalie Osterhoudt , an assistant professor of environmental science and microbiology with a master’s degree in zoology, is available to provide information on the impact hurricanes have on marine and wildlife, such as sea turtle nests being exposed and destroyed due to beach erosion, and the danger posed to fish, crabs and oysters. She can be reached at 954 201-8984 or  nosterho@broward.edu .

Jay Muza, Ph.D., is a professor of natural sciences with knowledge in oceanography, geology and environmental science. He is available to discuss what happens underwater during a hurricane, as well as the physical effects, such as beach erosion. Muza can be reached at 954-201-6771 or  jmuza@broward.edu .

Joyce Dickens, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology at Broward College. Dickens is available to discuss the emotional affects of a hurricane, as well as tips on dealing with the psychological aftermath of storm. She can be reached at 954-201-7396  or  jdickens@broward.edu .

Stephen Brasgalla, a licensed architect and professor of architecture, is available to discuss how to prepare your home to be protected during hurricane season, including the use of hurricane-resistant architecture. He can be reached at 954-201-7396 or  sbrasgal@broward.edu .

John Pearce, a marine engineering instructor at Broward College, currently lives on a 22-foot sailboat and has ridden out storms on his boat during past hurricane seasons. He is available to discuss what to do with a boat and where to dock it, depending on the storm track and which direction the hurricane is headed. Pearce can be reached at 954-201-8624 or  jpearce@broward.edu .

For more information, contact Tina David at 954-201-7510 or  tdavid@broward.edu .

-BC-