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Update: 8/28/2011, 8:00PM:
Click here for Welcome Week Updates
Update: 8/28/2011, 6:15PM:
Power has been restored to campus.
First Year and New Transfer Students
First year and new transfer students are welcome to move-in to residential communities until 9PM tonight, Sunday, 8/28.
ReturninG Students
All students new and returning can move-in beginning Monday, 8/29 at 10:30AM.
Welcome Week Activites
Residents on campus may check at the front desk for evening Welcome Week activities and activities for tomorrow. True Grits campus dining hall is open for dinner. The Commons is also open.
Update: 8/28/2011, 3:30PM:
- Campus is still without power. If power remains out on Monday, move-in will be impacted. Check back after 8PM tonight for information on how move-in will be impacted. You can expect either a delay or rescheduling of tomorrow's move-in.
Update: 8/28/2011, 2:45PM:
- Afternoon academic activities have been cancelled for today. The showing of tonight's movie will depend if power is restored.
- If you were scheduled to move-in today, please stay home. Power has yet to be restored and services are limited.
Update: 8/28/2011, 11:30AM:
Any Damage or Issues?
If you've experienced any damage or issues due to the storm contact your front desk if you are in one of the halls. For apartments other than Walker contact your RA, Walker should contact the Walker office.
Update: 8/28/2011, 8:25AM:
Power outage:
Rain/Wind is diminishing but there is still NO power. If outside use caution. On campus students check with your front desk for food and an update on activities.
Update: 8/27/2011, 9:56PM:
Weather Update:
Severe weather expected near UMBC starting at 10pm with heavy rain & wind gusts reaching 55mph.
Stay indoors.
Update: 8/27/2011, 5:15PM:
Additional info to assist residents who have moved in for tonight's weather
Click here for the additional information. It was also emailed to students' UMBC account!
PARKING REMINDER: Move-IN parking restrictions will remain in place through Monday’s move-in. Signs are being removed in preparation of high winds this evening. Refer to the Opening Move-In Map, to identify where you can park your car. Cars will be towed first thing Monday morning to ensure a smooth move-in.
Update: 8/27/2011, 9:51AM:
Welcome activities have changed due to hurricane irene
Click here to review the changes to the Welcome Week schedule for this weekend.
Update: 8/26/2011, 6:00PM:
additional items to help you prepare (rEFER TO ITEMS IN PREVIOUS UPDATES AS WELL)
Due to potential high winds we will likely not have tents setup at community drop off points. Therefore in case of rain we recommend you place personal belonging in plastic bags to limit exposure to possible rain.
Update: 8/26/2011, 10:00AM:
Parent and Family Weekend Accommodations
We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we prepare for the uncertainity and potential risk the inclement or severe weather will bring to our region. Our priority is to ensure the safety of our students and staff already on-campus and those traveling this weekend to begin a new semester at UMBC.
Parents/Families/Friends who may need or want to stay over the weekend in the UMBC area can find a list of local hotels at www.umbc.edu/aboutumbc/accommodations.php. If you are considering this option, please contact the hotel as early as possible to assure availability.
Residential Life has secured a special rate ($119 per night) for families this weekend at The DoubleTree By Hilton. Limited spaces available.
The DoubleTree By Hillton
890 Elkridge Landing Road
Linthicum, MD 21090
BaltimoreBWIAirport.DoubleTree.com
Update: 8/25/2011, 5:00PM:
Letter from the Director of Residential Life (Click for Printable Version)
Dear Residents,
Hurricane Irene is currently heading up the east coast and potentially could impact our area this weekend. While no one can predict the exact path of the storm, it is likely that we will be impacted by heavy rains and winds. We have outlined below some important information regarding opening.
The most up-to-date forecast for Hurricane Irene suggests the likelihood of hurricane conditions in our area this weekend, specifically on Saturday afternoon and all day on Sunday. As the University makes decisions regarding its operations, the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors is our highest priority. Please continue to check the UMBC website for university updates http://umbc.edu/newsevents/hurricane.html and our Res Life Web site http://www.umbc.edu/reslife/ for updates and listen to local news reports for the latest information on Hurricane Irene. Please read this entire message for details on how it will impact you. Please note that this is the information we are able to provide at this time (Thursday, August 25th at 5:00 pm) as the weather changes, we may need to make adjustments.
All residents that are currently on campus or plan to arrive prior to the storm need to be aware that we will do our best to provide services to you through the storm. However, if you feel more comfortable returning home or delaying your arrival until after the storm, please feel free to arrive on Monday, August 29th.
FOR NEW STUDENTS (First year and new transfers)
Friday, August 26th – 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Out of State residents, those traveling from Eastern Shore and those that will encounter hardship due to the storm can report to the community desk for their residence. Services will be available to coordinate your move in at these times.
Saturday, August 27th – 8:00 am – 3:00 pm - New student move in will happen as planned. If you have a later time slot and are worried about your return trip home, you may come earlier.
Monday, August 29th – 8:00 am – 3:00 pm – New student move in will continue for those planning to arrive after the storm.
Due to the severe weather predicted, we would ask that for your safety and the safety of our staff that you not arrive on Saturday, August 27th after 4:00 pm. Please check our website for information about when we will reopen check in once the weather has passed.
For Students staying in Hillside, Terrace or Walker apartments, additional information concerning storm preparedness will be provided via email and a letter will be delivered to your apartment.
If residents are asked to Shelter in Place possibly beginning late Saturday Night into Sunday, food will be provided in lounges and indoor activities will happen in lieu of Welcome Week. Flex dollars for all students will be activated on Friday, Meal plans will be activated on your assigned move-in date.
RETURNING STUDENTS
Monday, August 29th – Returning student move in will happen as scheduled – the storm is predicted to be over so this move in will not be affected. NO Returning Students may move in prior to this date.
Tuesday, August 30th – We will continue move in on this day at community desks.
As with any pending severe weather, it is important that, as individuals, you prepare yourselves for the possibility of utility outages and other service interruptions.
We strongly recommend that every resident do the following in preparation of the storm:
- If you have not already done so, sign up for e2campus alert system. This will be the most reliable and up to date information from the university regarding any emergency notifications. You can do this through this web site. http://www.umbc.edu/police/
- Assemble emergency supplies. FEMA recommends the following 6 categories (See website for more details: http://www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/basickit.shtm):
- Water (3 day supply. At least 1 gallon per person per day)
- Food (Ready to eat, nonperishable, high energy foods)
- First Aid Supplies (including any specific medications)
- Clothing, bedding, and sanitation supplies
- Tools (Flashlight and batteries, manual can opener, cash)
- Special Items (important documents, glasses, driver’s license, university ID)
- Update your emergency contact and relocation information – Check in Online http://www.umbc.edu/reslife/living/opening_fall.html
- Bring bicycles and other items indoors.
- Discard your personal trash (a.s.a.p.) so that it can be removed from campus, not just your room (dumpsters will be tied down prior to the storm)
- If you choose to leave, ensure your bedroom / apartment door is locked prior to departure.
- Close all windows and shades/blinds (whether staying or leaving).
- Move electronic and/or easily damaged items off of floors and away from windows; unplug electronics (ensure electrical cords are off the floor).
- Backup any work on your computer. As the storm approaches, turn off all computers.
- Do laundry so that you have adequate clothing options
- Fully charge your cell/smart phone.
- Get cash from an ATM.
- Stay up to date by referring the UMBC website.
During severe weather, it is also important that residents do the following:
- Stay indoors unless instructed by UMBC Police or Residential Life to evacuate. If asked to Shelter in Place – food will be delivered to the Residence Halls. If you are in the apartments, we ask that you make provisions for at least 3 days.
- Regularly check university website for updates.
- Follow the path of the storm online, TV, or weather radio.
- Turn your refrigerator to a cooler setting to help preserve food in the event of a power outage.
- Keep blinds/shades closed and stay away from windows if possible.
- If power should go out:
- Remain calm.
- Only use cell phones in emergencies to prolong battery life.
- Keep refrigerator closed as much as possible to preserve food.
- Do not use candles
- In the residence halls, feel free to visit the lounges for activities
After a Storm:
- Contact family/friends to let them know you’re okay, but limit the number and length of calls.
- Outdoors, beware of obvious (and obstructed) fallen power lines (never touch them)
- Report any emergencies to university police (5-5555).
- Report facility issues to the Walker Avenue Management Office 2-7541 or FXIT 5-3948 for all other communities. If the office is closed, contact the RA on duty for emergency facility issues (i.e. leaks, broken glass)
For more information, please visit the following sites:
While we hope that there is minimal impact to the university community as a result of this storm, it is always best to prepared. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact Residential Life (410.455.2591) or Walker Avenue Apartments (443.612.7541). After 3:00 on Saturday and on Sunday, contact Campus Police at 5x5555.
We appreciate your patience during this potential storm and your willingness to follow these instructions as indicated.
Sincerely,
Katie Boone |
