Hurricane Sandy Updates

10:30 a.m. Tuesday October 30, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those individuals impacted by the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy. Please know that several College resources are here to assist you and provide support to students whose families have been impacted by Hurricane Sandy: administrators, faculty or staff, the College Chaplain’s Office, or Friars in Residence. In addition, the Counseling Services are here to assist students as well. You can contact them for an appointment by call 518 783-2342.

Sincerely,
Dr. Gilroy
Vice President for Student Affairs

Fr. Greg Jakubowicz, OFM
College Chaplain

5:00 a.m. Tuesday October 30, 2012

The college is open and class will proceed as scheduled for Tuesday October 30. If an employee still feels that conditions are unsafe, then the employee should take personal time according to the college's inclement weather policy.

The forecast today calls for scattered rain with a high near 62. Breezy, with a southeast wind 17 to 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding throughout the storm.

12:43 p.m. Monday October 29, 2012

Due to Hurricane Sandy, Siena College classes and events are canceled as of 2:30 p.m. All afternoon labs are also canceled. College offices remain open.

We are closely monitoring the storm and we will update you will any changes. The Siena Emergency Operations Team will be coordinating throughout the storm and will post information on the Siena College Emergency Information. For further updates regarding Tuesday, October 30 operations please monitor www.siena.edu, campus email, as well as local television and radio. You can also sign up to receive Siena Alert text messages.

The National Weather Service Office along with the town and country emergency management offices are closely monitoring the progress of Hurricane Sandy and the potential impact to our area. The forecast calls for rain this afternoon and tonight with a north wind 20-25 mph and increasing to 28 to 33 mph. Wind gusts could be as 55 mph. The most significant gusts will likely occur overnight. This could lead to downed tress and power lines which will increase the risk of power outages.

Students:
The dining facility will remain open to support our residential students and RAs and RDs will also be in the residence halls during the storm. Public safety and Facilities Management will also be on campus monitoring the conditions of campus. If you have an emergency, please contact Public Safety at 518-783-2999.

Faculty/staff:
If an employee feels that conditions are unsafe, then the employee should take personal time according to the college's inclement weather policy. We encourage you to shut down personal and office computers before you leave today. If your computer is on the floor and there is any possibility of flooding in your area, you should unplug and move it to a tabletop.

All:
Please be sure to make the proper preparations and review the safety tips provided on this website.

3:40pm Sunday October 28, 2012

We are continuing to monitor the storm and we are receiving updates from the Town of Colonie Emergency Management Office. The current forecast is for rain tomorrow, mainly after 11am. The rain could be heavy at times with a high near 57. It will be breezy, with the wind coming from the north 13 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%. The most significant gusts will likely occur between Monday evening and midnight on Monday night. Please be sure to make the proper preparations and review the safety tips provided in my previous email. 

The Siena Emergency Operations Team will be meeting again in the morning. We will provide another update tomorrow and will post the information on the Siena College Emergency Information web page.

If an employee feels that travel conditions are unsafe in their area, then he/she must take a personal day. Please consult the appropriate handbook for information on the College’s Inclement Weather and Personal Leave Policies. The complete policy may be accessed at the following link: https://www.siena.edu/pages/3.asp?callingpage=/pages/859.asp

3:00pm Friday October 26, 2012

Current forecast indicate that we will begin to feel the effects of the storm late Monday into Tuesday.  Depending on where the storm makes landfall, it can bring strong winds and heavy rain/flooding to our area. This could lead to downed trees and power lines which will increase the risk of power outages.  

We  recommend that prepare your own office areas between now and Monday afternoon. We encourage you to shut down personal and office computer before leaving for the day Monday. If your computer is on the floor and there is any possibility of flooding in your area, you should unplug the computer and move it to a tabletop.

We are fortunate that several of our Residence Halls now have back-up generator power. For students who are living in New Hall, Plassmann, Hennepin or Ryan, the generator will automatically provide power to the building in case of a power failure. Serra Hall is also equipped with back-up power and will remain operational throughout the storm to provide food service support to our community. 

Please take the hazards associated with this storm seriously and monitor the Siena College Emergency Info page at http://www.siena.edu/emergencyinfo. Below, you will find some tips to assist you in preparing for the storm and keeping you safe from the potential hazards.

If you are not on the Siena Alert System, please log in to enroll by going to the following web page: http://www.siena.edu/SienaAlert

• All windows must be closed tightly and locked if possible. All window blinds should be closed.
• Move loose outdoor items inside your building. This includes lawn furniture and any other patio items.
• Procure a flashlight in case of power failure. DO NOT USE CANDLES OR OTHER FLAME-TYPE LIGHTING UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.  Use battery-powered lighting only!
• Be sure to fill up your tank with fuel prior to the storm, in case there is a power outage. Check car windows to ensure they are closed.
• Keep your mobile phone and laptop fully charged at all times. When using your phone, consider text messages instead of calling to preserve battery life.
• Prepare for possible electrical outages by securing all sensitive electronic equipment and backing up your data.

• It is essential that everyone stay indoors throughout the entire storm!
• Students should plan to be in the interior areas of their living unit and remain away from danger areas, such as any glass windows and/or doors.
• If you are moving between floors for any reason, do not use elevators.
• Do not attempt to open windows or doors to see what is happening outside.
• Telephone calls should be made only in case of an emergency.

• Keep a flashlight with spare batteries immediately accessible.
• Know how to locate the closest exit.

• Remain calm.
• In the event of a power outage residence hall buildings/townhouses are equipped with emergency lighting to aid in evacuations if necessary.
• If the power outage presents an emergency call Public Safety at (518) 783-2999 (from a cell phone or 911 (from a campus phone).
• Public Safety will notify Facilities Management and others as required.

• Remain calm.
• Do not light candles or use other types of flames for lighting.
• Unplug electrical equipment, including computers, and turn off light switches.
• Follow directions provided by Public Safety, Residence Life staff, and any messages delivered via the Siena Alert System.
• If building evacuation becomes necessary, seek out persons with special needs and provide assistance if possible. If you have special needs or need assistance, call Public Safety at (518) 783-2999 (from a cell phone) or 911 (from a campus phone).

• Use elevator phone or cell phone to call Public Safety at (518) 783-2999.
• Tell passengers to stay calm and that you are getting help.
• Provide specific information and the number of individuals trapped if known to the Public Safety Emergency Dispatcher.
• Stay near passenger(s) if it is safe to do so until emergency personnel arrive on site.