NEW UPDATES
University, FAMU DRS Reopening Schedule Announced
The Tallahassee, Crestview, Jacksonville, Tampa, Brooksville and Davie/Miami campuses and facilities will remain closed through Friday, September 15 and will reopen on Monday, September 18.
The College of Law in Orlando will reopen on Wednesday, September 13. Professors, staff and students who may have left the area and will be delayed in returning should notify the dean’s office.
FAMU Developmental Research School will follow the Leon County Schools schedule and reopen on Thursday, September 14 for classes. Staff will report to the school on Wednesday. Please contact the superintendent’s office if you will be delayed in returning to the area.
Thank you to everyone who played a role in ensuring our campus community was prepared and safe. The University’s thoughts are with those who have been impacted by the storm.
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FAMU Lifts On-Campus Curfew, Dining Room to Reopen, Updates on Satellite Campuses
September 11, 2017
8 p.m.
Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., and members of the senior leadership team would like to express their gratitude to all of the essential personnel, faculty, staff, student, alumni and community volunteers who helped to prepare boxed meals for students, provided donations, and assisted with housing and sheltering services prior to and throughout the impact of the storm.
Lifting of On-Campus Curfew
After an assessment of the Tallahassee campus, FAMU leaders have announced that the mandatory campus-wide curfew has been lifted. However, students and employees are asked to continue to follow the Leon County curfew, which is scheduled for 9 p.m. tonight through Tuesday, 7 a.m.
Students living in Palmetto North are being transported back to their apartments this evening from the Foster-Tanner Rehearsal Hall.
In Tallahassee, students and employees are asked to avoid the Okaloosa Street and Wahnish Way area near the Lawson Center, where currently there is one large tree down and downed power lines. Thus far, there are no reports of major damages and no reports of injuries on campus. However, please be cautious of debris as a result of the wind and rain.
As you travel about the area and city, remember to avoid blocked roads, avoid power lines and avoid metal objects. Walking in flooded areas is not advised because of numerous hazards, including electrical issues.
Dining Services Update
In light of the lifted on-campus curfew, sustained power and no major damages to campus, University Dining will reopen the main dining area and food court on Tuesday, September 12.
Through Sunday, September 17, the main dining area will be open from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., for brunch and dinner will be served from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. The food court will reopen on Tuesday, as well, and remain open from 2-9 p.m., through Sunday. The main dining area and food court will resume normal hours of operation on Monday, September 18.
Campus Closures
The Tallahassee, Crestview, Jacksonville, Tampa, Brooksville and Davie/Miami campuses and facilities will remain closed until Friday, Sept. 15. The College of Law in Orlando will make an announcement regarding its reopening date upon the completion of a local assessment.
FAMU DRS is expected to announce its reopening date on Tuesday, September 12.
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PREVIOUS UPDATES
This update includes a new curfew and weather information.
YOU ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ THE ENTIRE DOCUMENT.
Curfew Remains in Effect, Campus Condition Updates
September 11, 2017
2:35 p.m.
The main campus remains closed through Friday, September 15.
Satellite campuses and facilities are currently assessing their local areas and will announce reopening dates after completing their evaluations.
University staff on the Tallahassee campus are currently monitoring and assessing the condition of the campus.
Throughout the day, the Leon County area is expected to continue to have some impact from Irma, which is now considered a tropical storm with sustained winds of 30 miles per hour and wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour, according to local officials.
High winds are expected throughout the next couple of days and students and employees are encouraged to shelter in place. Please remain indoors until it is declared safe to travel by local officials.
Campus Status and Curfews
Currently, there is one large tree down and downed power lines near the Lawson Center at the corner of Okaloosa Street and Wahnish Way.
For the protection of our campus community, the Tallahassee campus remains under the University’s curfew until 8 p.m., today, and going forward all students and employees are asked to adhere to the Leon County curfew.
The current Leon County curfew schedule is as follows: Monday, September 11 from 9 p.m. to Tuesday, September 12 at 7 a.m.
The curfew requires all Leon County residents and visitors to remain indoors during the prescribed times to allow first responders and emergency personnel to most effectively protect the safety of residents and property.
Even when the curfew period is not in effect, citizens should limit travel on public roadways to allow officials to conduct response and recovery efforts most effectively.
Please follow both the University and county’s instructions.
Access to Non-Residential Buildings on Campus
There are specific locations designated authorized for use during this period of closure. Please do not attempt to access non-authorized spaces such as classrooms, libraries, laboratories, buildings, or other non-authorized locations during this period. Palmetto North residents have been moved to the Foster-Tanner Rehearsal Hall.
On-Campus Services and Dining
The Foster-Tanner Rehearsal Hall remains open for Palmetto North and off-campus students for lodging.
Boxed meals and water will continue to be provided to students in on-campus housing and at the Foster-Tanner Rehearsal Hall during inclement weather, unless it is announced that weather conditions permit a reopening of the cafeteria/dining hall.
Safety Tips and Precautions
- Stay away from areas that can become dangerous during a storm, such as the glass windows and doors in the lobby areas of the residence halls or the living rooms of apartments.
- Keep all windows and window blinds closed.
- During a storm, a “state of emergency” exists; do not attempt to go outside.
- Do not attempt to travel between floors in your building
- All items should be moved away from windows. All loose objects should be removed from the floor or tops of tables or desks and secured in drawers or closets.
- Ensure your medical prescriptions or other medical items you should need are accessible.
- Only battery-powered lighting should be used. Candles or other open flames for lighting are not permitted under any circumstance.
- Please do not attempt to have a “Hurricane” or “Storm” party. Alcoholic beverages or other substances that impair judgment are prohibited and can be harmful in a state of emergency.
Please view additional preparation and safety instructions, updates, dining information, off-campus resident services and FAQs in the attached document and at www.famunews.com or www.famu.edu.
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FAMU Will Be Closed Through Friday, New Curfew, New Dormitory Information Announced
Sunday, September 10, 2017
1 p.m.
This update includes a new curfew and weather information.
YOU ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ THE ENTIRE DOCUMENT.
New Closure and Weather Information
The Tallahassee and Crestview campuses will now be closed through Friday, September 15, 2017. Any events scheduled to take place on campus for the week of September 11-15, 2017 are canceled.
Satellite campuses and facilities, with the exception of Crestview, will announce their reopening based upon local weather conditions.
There are specific locations designated authorized for use during this period of closure. Please do not attempt to access non-authorized spaces such as classrooms, libraries, laboratories, buildings, or other non-authorized locations during this period.
Tropical storm and hurricane warnings are in place for Leon County. This means heavy, storm-force winds and rain are expected to impact the area tonight through Monday night. Some parts of the Tallahassee area may experience downed trees and power lines.
Palmetto North Relocation
(Only students from Palmetto North are impacted by this mandatory directive).
In an effort to more efficiently serve our students during Hurricane Irma and in light of the changing nature of the storm, we are moving our Palmetto North residents to our temporary shelter at Foster Tanner Band Rehearsal Hall. Students will be transported from the dormitory by the university beginning at 1:00 pm and ending at 3:00 pm Sunday on Palmetto Street adjacent to the dorm.
Students need to take a pillow, a blanket to sleep on, toiletries, a change of clothing, snacks, water, etc. Students should plan to stay in the shelter until at least Tuesday.
Mandatory Curfew
In an effort to help secure the safety of our students, a campus-wide curfew is in effect from 11 p.m., Sunday until 7 p.m., Monday. After briefings from the Governor and state officials on the storm’s potential impact on our area, FAMU leadership feels this is the best move to keep students out of harm’s way and gives us a chance to analyze the storm’s impact on our campus.
The curfew means no one is allowed to leave dormitories or shelters during the curfew window. Your cooperation is required and appreciated.
- Sunday, September 10 from 9 p.m. to Monday, September 11 at 7 a.m.
- Monday, September 11 from 9 p.m. to Tuesday, September 12 at 7 a.m.
- Tuesday, September 12 from 9 p.m. to Wednesday, September 13 at 7 a.m.
Residential and Dining Information
Local officials have posted a voluntary evacuation notice for Leon County. A voluntary evacuation is a type of evacuation where people choose to move to a perceived area of safety on their own. Students are welcome to remain in our residential facilities, and registered off-campus students with ID are invited to come to the Foster-Tanner Rehearsal Hall for lodging and boxed meals. Off-campus students may bring their children, but must be responsible for their supervision. Essential personnel will be on-site.
Should students residing on campus choose to evacuate, they are required to inform a residential employee before leaving or email famuhousing@famu.edu to notify staff for safety and accountability reasons. Leon County shelter information is available below and in the attached FAQs section.
Hot meals will continue to be served on the weekend schedule in the cafeteria/dining hall through Sunday, September 10, 2017. Contingent upon weather conditions, beginning Monday, September 11, 2017, Dining Services will be prepared to deliver boxed meals and water to student housing facilities. See the attached FAQs for more information.
Hurricane Preparedness and Instructions
Prior to the storm, students are asked to contact their parents or family members to advise them of their location and then again after the storm to inform them of their status.
Students are reminded to stay tuned to local news, www.FAMU.edu and www.FAMUnews.com for updated information. Here are some instructions for on-campus residents:
- Students must remain away from areas that can become dangerous during a storm, such as the glass windows and doors in the lobby areas of the residence halls or the living rooms of apartments.
- Keep all windows and window blinds closed.
- During a storm, a “state of emergency” exists; do not attempt to go outside.
- Do not attempt to travel between floors in your building
- All items should be moved away from windows. All loose objects should be removed from the floor or tops of tables or desks and secured in drawers or closets.
- Ensure your medical prescriptions or other medical items you should need are accessible.
- Only battery-powered lighting should be used. Candles or other open flames for lighting are not permitted under any circumstance.
- Please do not attempt to have a “Hurricane Party.” Alcoholic beverages or other substances that impair judgment are prohibited and can be harmful in a state of emergency.
- Boxed meals and water will be provided, in the event of a Hurricane or inclement weather. Do not attempt to leave your residence to obtain food during a storm.
After The Storm
According to Flash.org, during and after the storm, you should avoid traveling on blocked roads, avoid power lines, avoid sightseeing, and avoid metal objects. Walking in flooded areas is not advised because of numerous hazards including electrical issues. For more details, visit: http://www.flash.org/peril_inside.php?id=119.
Specific Residential Advisories for Storm Activity
- FAMU Village – Close your room doors and take shelter in the bathroom/ entrance area of the suite
- Paddyfote – Take shelter in the bathrooms with the doors closed
- Sampson and Young – Take shelter in the hallways; ensure your room doors are closed
- Gibbs – Take shelter in the hallways; ensure your room doors are closed
- Truth – Take shelter in the hallways; ensure your room doors are closed
- Palmetto Apartments – Take shelter in the apartment interior hallways or bathrooms with the room doors closed
In the event of a medical emergency call 911 or the FAMU Police Department at 850-599-3256
In the event that residential facilities are negatively impacted by the inclement weather and mandatory evacuation is required, students will be assisted with transportation to an identified Red Cross shelter.
Open shelters in Leon County include:
- Rickards High School, located at 3013 Jim Lee Rd.
- Canopy Oaks Elementary School, located at 3250 Point View Dr.
- Oak Ridge Elementary School, located 4530 Shelfer Rd.
- Florida High School (Special Needs Shelter), located at 3000 Schoolhouse Rd.
- Red Cross offers a listing of available shelters at http://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.
Emergency Responders on Campus
To assist the state in emergency response, members of the Army National Guard and other emergency responders, will be utilizing our campus facilities, including Gaither Gym and the Lawson Center, as well as the dining services over the next several days, in order to ensure they are available to assist government officials with their efforts to help residents across the state who may have been impacted by the storm.
Employee Information
FAMU employees who are scheduled to receive a paper check by mail on the upcoming pay date has the option to report to the FAMU Business Center on Friday, September 15, 2017 from 9 a.m.- 10:30 a.m., to receive their check on campus, unless there are travel restrictions by government officials after the storm. For more information, email:
joyce.ingram@famu.edu. Additional information is available in the attached FAQs and on the FAMU.edu Hurricane Update Page.
Attached are lists of frequently asked questions to help our campus community prepare in the event that the storm impacts our facilities. Please note, this information is subject to change, as updates are provided, so please check back frequently for information that may impact your preparations.
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FAQS in Preparation for Hurricane Irma
September 10, 2017 1:00 pm
How can I stay updated on the storm?
· Watch your phone for text alerts from the University
· Watch your email for updates from FAMUInfo@famu.edu
· Monitor FAMU.edu and FAMUNews.com for updates
· Call our recorded message line at (850) 412-7135
· Information about local shelters, road closures or other information is also available on the Florida Emergency Information Line (FEIL) at FloridaDisaster.org or toll-free at 1-800-342-3557. Florida 511 (https://fl511.com) provides the latest information on road closures.
What should I do to get prepared for storms?
The State of Florida recommends the following:
· Ensure you have batteries to power flashlights and radios
· Ensure that you have cash and gas for your vehicle
· Ensure your first-aid kits are restocked
· Ensure your communications devices are fully charged
· Back up important computer files on an external drive
· Place important documents in a water proof container
· Develop a communications plan with family/friends
· Make sure your prescription and non-prescription medications are accessible
· Monitor local news for updates
More preparation tips and information are available at:
· www.famu.edu/emergency
· http://www.floridadisaster.org/documents/HurricaneBrochure-eng.pdf
· https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit
What support will off-campus student residents receive in the event of a storm?
Registered students who live off campus will be accommodated in the Foster-Tanner Band Rehearsal Hall on campus beginning Saturday, September 9 at 2 p.m. Students who live off campus must bring their Student ID and are asked to bring their own blankets and pillows because a limited number of cots will be provided. Off-campus students are permitted to bring their children, however, they will be responsible for their supervision. The University will accommodate as many students as possible for dining needs with boxed meals and water.
How will my financial aid disbursements or refund be impacted by Hurricane Irma?
University staff have been working around the clock to expedite the disbursement of financial aid and refunds as soon as possible to ensure students who receive aid have access to financial resources.
Students who may have had refunds scheduled to be mailed to South Florida areas impacted by the storm will have the option to receive their checks on campus. Students who have signed up for electronic deposit will receive bank transfers beginning Monday and Tuesday of next week.
Please watch your famu.edu email for more details on these processes.
Will food services be available if the campus is impacted by the storm?
Residential and dining facilities on the main campus remain open. Water has been distributed to each residential facility. In the event that the University is impacted by inclement weather, dining services is prepared to deliver boxed meals and water to on-campus residents. For now, hot meals will continue to be served unless inclement weather impacts power sources.
The hours of operation for dining services are below. Please note, the food court will close after Sunday. Hours of operation for the week of September 11-15 will be provided based upon weather updates, or boxed meal and water delivery will be provided due to weather conditions.
Cafeteria Dining:
Fri., Sat., Sun.: Brunch – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Dinner – 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Food Court:
Fri. Sat., Sun.: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Can parents and friends stay in my on-campus housing unit with me if they have to evacuate from their home?
Unfortunately, only registered students can reside in our on-campus housing facilities. If your family or friends need shelter, the Red Cross offers a listing of available shelters: http://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.
What emergency shelter options are available for individuals impacted by the storm?
- Rickards High School, located at 3013 Jim Lee Rd.
- Canopy Oaks Elementary School, located at 3250 Point View Dr.
- Oak Ridge Elementary School, located 4530 Shelfer Rd.
- Florida High School (Special Needs Shelter), located at 3000 Schoolhouse Rd.
- Red Cross offers a listing of available shelters at http://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions for Students and Employees in the Event of a Hurricane Impacting Campus (Click to Open or Download)