Submitted on Monday, 10/29/2012, at 10:23 PM

Tuesday, October 30 

Amherst College will resume operations on Tuesday, Oct. 30. All personnel are to report to work, and classes will resume as scheduled unless weather worsens overnight. Updates will be provided through the emergency line 413-542-SNOW (7669) and this page.

Monday, October 29

Amherst College will be closed on Monday, Oct. 29 because of the approach of Hurricane Sandy. No classes will be held. Essential personnel are to report to work. Students should have breakfast at Valentine this morning, where food will be available to bring back to their dorm rooms. The wind is expected to intensify, with the potential for gusts, blowing debris and falling limbs. Students are requested to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary. Those who must walk on campus should take precaution and follow safer routes without tree cover.

Updates will be provided through the emergency line 413-542-SNOW (7669), the Human Resources website and this page.

Sunday, October 28

 
Dear students, faculty and staff,
 
We write to update you on the progress of Hurricane Sandy. Forecasts for the area right now are predicting rain and winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts in the 50 mph range starting early tomorrow morning and ending early Tuesday morning. Such high winds could create very hazardous conditions, so we urge you to avoid spending excessive time outdoors. If/when you have to go out, be vigilant and watch for any falling tree limbs or downed power lines.
 
At the moment, we expect that campus will remain open, but we are monitoring the weather and will alert the community to any closures or cancellations via email, the college's homepage and the weather phone line, 413-542-SNOW (7669). In the event of an emergency, call the Amherst College Police Department at 542-2111; if telephone lines are down, call 413-687-2551.
 
Best,
John Carter, chief of campus police
Rick Mears, environmental health and safety manager


Friday, October 26

Dear students, staff and faculty,

You may have heard that Hurricane Sandy, which is currently off the coast of Florida, could hit Western Massachusetts early next week. While it is too soon to tell exactly where the storm is headed, the college is monitoring Sandy’s progress and will alert you to any important developments as necessary. Please remember to check your email and the college’s website regularly for updates.

Regardless of the storm’s exact path, it is likely that this area will see some form of significant weather, such as heavy rain, strong wind and/or snow. There is also a good chance we will experience a power outage. The college is already implementing a number of measures to prepare for all of these scenarios, including fueling up maintenance vehicles, transporting a generator to Valentine and ensuring adequate food and water supplies, among other things. Individuals should take steps as well, such as the following:

  • Charge all cell phones, laptops, iPads and other portable electronic devices on Monday, in advance of the beginning of the storm.
  • Have a supply of food, water, flashlight(s) and basic emergency supplies on hand, in case of a loss of power.
  • Fill the gas tanks of any vehicles you own.
  • Stay indoors during dangerous weather conditions.
  • Call Campus Police at x2111 in the event of an emergency.

Here are some helpful websites for more information:

At this time, all campus activities will proceed as regularly scheduled next week, although that may change as conditions warrant. We will continue to update the community as necessary. Stay safe.

Best,

John Carter, chief of Amherst College Police
Richard Mears, environmental health and safety manager