Facilities prepares for potential problems posed by Hurricane Isabel

5:45 p.m., Sept. 17, 2003--In preparation for possible flooding and power losses resulting from Hurricane Isabel, Facilities has taken a number of precautionary measures, Robert Stozek, associate vice president for facilities, said.

“The storm on Monday pointed out where the main drainage problems may occur,” Stozek said. “This and other measures that we have taken should help in dealing with potential problems caused by the storm.”

Stozek said that while predicted rainfall amounts in the Newark area do not present a major problem at present, there is a concern about the possibility of power outages because of possible high winds predicted by the National Weather Service.

Precautionary measures taken by Facilities include:

Making sure that storm drains and window wells are clear;
Staging sandbags at key locations that have been identified as potential problem sites;
Testing emergency generator equipment and procuring additional portable generators;
Making sure that windows are closed to prevent possible wind and rain damage;
Emptying trash Dumpsters Wednesday and Thursday morning;
Scheduling additional staff for Thursday evening and bringing people in early on Friday.
In conjunction with these precautionary measures, Stozek recommends that students in residence halls:
Do not put additional trash in Dumpsters until after the state of emergency has been lifted;
Close and lock all windows; and
That residents living in ground-level areas remove all valuables from the floor.

Article by Jerry Rhodes

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