Gallaudet weathers Hurricane Irene

Sunday, August 28, 2011 (2:01 p.m.)

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene the Gallaudet University campus is fully functional with power and Internet service. Campus operations are back to normal.

Sunday, August 28, 2011 8:50 a.m.

Department of Transportation announced that normal shuttle schedule will resume at 10:00 a.m. today.

Saturday, August 27, 2011 1:16 p.m.

The Department of Transportation announces that they will suspend shuttle service today because of weather conditions; the last shuttle will leave campus at 2:48 pm and service will stop at 3:30. There will be no shuttle service until further notice.

August 26, 2011

The Gallaudet Crisis Leadership team is monitoring the predicted path of Hurricane Irene. While current predictions indicate that the storm will stay off-shore and not directly hit the Washington, D.C. area, it is likely that the metropolitan area will experience high winds and heavy rains over the weekend. Power outages, downed trees and limbs, and some street flooding may occur.

Gallaudet University has taken preliminary steps to prepare for the storm. Dorms are now open for returning students to begin moving in early and we encourage returning students to take advantage of the early move-in. The cafeteria will be open; however, meal plans do not go into effect until Sunday evening. This means that you will be able to purchase food before your meal plan begins by paying at the door.

Students staying on campus should use caution during the storm and pay attention to any posted warnings or direction from Residence Life staff and Department of Public Safety officers.

Students living off-campus and faculty and staff are urged to be prepared as well.

Here are some suggestions:

• Have emergencies supplies on hand including:
• Flashlight
• Telecommunications devices that allow you to receive messages
• Food that can be prepared without electricity
• First aid supplies and medications
• Adequate supplies for infants and pets
• List of contact numbers for family members, friends, doctors, emergency numbers
• Make sure your telecommunications and other electronic devices are charged.
• Fill your gas tank.
• Secure outside items that may blow around in high winds (flags, lawn furniture, trash cans, etc.)
• Check your gutters and downspouts to make sure they’re clear of debris.
• Keep an eye on street drains and help keep them clear to prevent flooding.
• Report power outages, don’t assume that the power companies are aware of the outage.

The key to being prepared is to be informed. Monitor local communications channels for updates and changing conditions.

Information will also be shared via the Gallaudet Alert. Alert messages automatically go to everyone’s Gallaudet email address. To receive alerts directly to pagers, other devices or other email addresses, send a blank email (blank message and blank subject line) to alert-subscribe-requ est@gulists.gallaudet.edu from the device you want to receive the alerts. You will then receive a reply with steps to confirm your action.

If necessary, updates will also be posted on the Gallaudet homepage at www.gallaudet.edu.

If you need assistance, contact the Department of Public Safety as specified below.

• For emergencies: 202-651-5555 (Voice/Videophone), 202-651-5444 TTY, or page: gallydps@sprint.blackberry.net
• For non-emergencies: 202-651-5445 (Voice/Videophone), 202-651-5444 TTY, or email: Contact

– Gallaudet Crisis Leadership Team