The National Weather Service has been tracking Hurricane Isabel in the Atlantic Ocean where it is currently a Category 4 hurricane with wind speed of 150 miles per hour. As of 5:00 a.m. EDT this morning, Hurricane Isabel was projected to reach the Mid-Atlantic area on Thursday, with effects on Chestertown projected to be at the Category 2 level with sustained winds of 96 - 115 mph and a tidal surge of up to 4 feet. In the event the hurricane makes landfall in this area, services might be greatly reduced. The campus would most likely experience power outages, heavy winds, blowing debris, rain and flooding.
In consultation with the Kent County Emergency Management Team, the President's Office has established the following plan to meet the safety needs of our students, faculty and staff.
STUDENTS
1) Classes are CANCELLED beginning 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, and all day Thursday and Friday. Students who live within driving distance are advised to leave campus and return to their homes after class on Wednesday, and to stay at home until the storm has passed. Classes will resume on Monday, September 22. All athletic contests and co-curricular activities from Wednesday through Sunday, as well as the meeting of the Board of Visitors and Governors, have also been cancelled.In order to make up for the canceling of classes for two days in the already tight fall semester, additional days will be used for classes. The first of these is Friday, October 10, previously scheduled for Fall Break but now to be utilized by the regular Friday classes. (Instructors are asked to make accommodation for students who cannot remain on campus that Friday.) Arrangements will be announced later in the semester to make up the missed class on Thursday, September 18.
2) The WC Dining Service will be open to serve students during its standard hours through Wednesday, and between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5p.m.-6.p.m. on Thursday and Friday. WCDS hopes to return to the regular meal schedule on Saturday. Students may eat-in or carry-out on Thursday and Friday. Students may want to have a supply of water and non-perishable food on hand in their rooms.
3) Students remaining on campus are encouraged to remain in their residence halls for the duration of the storm and take precaution, including appropriate protective clothing, if venturing outside. Please be aware that there might be power outages during the storm and live power lines on the ground. DO NOT approach a downed power line. Resident Assistants will have first aid supplies and a limited supply of bottled water and nonperishable food in case of an emergency.
4) Students are encouraged to shut down and unplug computer equipment, televisions and other electronic equipment before leaving campus. Those who remain on campus should do likewise as the storm system approaches.
5) If power fails, PLEASE DO NOT use candles or oil lamps for light. Rather, use battery-powered flashlights and lamps.
6) Individuals with special sheltering or evacuation needs should contact the Department of Public Safety (x. 7810), Health Services (x. 7261) or the Student Affairs Office (x. 7752) for assistance.
7) All students, as well as faculty and staff, are encouraged to follow The Office of Homeland Security?s recommendations for minimum personal supplies to maintain in case of an emergency. These include: Bottled water and nonperishable food Battery-operated flashlight and radio (w/ extra batteries) Personal care items and extra supply of medications First Aid Kit Appropriate clothing and shoes
FACULTY & STAFF
The College will be open during normal working hours Wednesday for faculty and staff, but will be closed Thursday and Friday. Only essential personnel from Public Safety, Buildings & Grounds, and the Dining Service are to report to work.ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPDATES
Announcements and updates on the storm and the status of the College will be posted via a link on the College?s homepage, www.washcoll.edu, as well as the Campus Switchboard (
410-778-2800
) and with local and regional radio stations (WCTR 1530 AM, WBAL 1090 AM, and WSCL Radio 89.5 FM). Note: In the event of a power failure on campus, the College homepage will not be available.
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