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
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:
- Make sure phone and email information is up-to-date in our Mass Notification System.
- 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