October 12, 2018 – 1:30 p.m.
FAMU officials are communicating with city and state emergency responders, who are providing daily Hurricane Michael restoration updates. The City of Tallahassee’s goal is to restore power to 90 percent of its customers by the end of the weekend. For additional information about city operations and services and to report a power outage, visit talgov.com. For information about Talquin’s services, visit talquinelectric.com.
FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., would like to thank students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners who supported the University during the “worst storm that ever hit our region.” The main campus and satellite campuses did not lose power during Hurricane Michael. Classes are scheduled to resume Monday, October 15, at the main campus, FAMU Developmental Research School and satellite sites, including Crestview. Watch FAMUInfo, FAMUNews.com, the FAMU mobile app, iStrike and FAMU’s official social media channels for updates.
Please watch this video for a firsthand look at the state of FAMU’s campus and President Robinson’s message.
Campus Buildings Open This Weekend
As a special accommodation to our students, Coleman Library will be open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. today, Friday, October 12, and Saturday and Sunday from 1-6 p.m.
We realize that many students living off campus are returning to Tallahassee and may not have power in their homes. Today, Tookes Recreation Center, located at 2101 Wahnish Way, will be open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. for students who would like to use the showers. University employees are on site, and showers will also be available Saturday and Sunday. However, the fitness center will remain closed until Monday, when the campus plans to resume normal hours of operation.
The main dining hall in the Student Service Center is open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Continuous service (with limited options) will continue from 2-5 p.m., and dinner will be served 5-7 p.m.
The Efferson Student Union and Activities will open its Multipurpose Rooms for students to use as study lounges and to charge electronic devices, such as laptops and mobile phones. The hours are noon – 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The University’s shuttle service is available 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. today, Friday and Sunday and will pick up and drop off students every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour.
Please continue to be careful as you venture outside. Be mindful of downed trees and power lines. Monitor road conditions and limit driving at night. The City of Tallahassee reports most of the city’s traffic lights are operating normally, but some rural areas and counties do not have power and street lights.
Call FAMU Public Safety and Security at 850-599-3256 to report any issues on campus that need immediate attention.
October 11, 2018 – 7 p.m.
Today, FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., spoke with students while surveying the main campus with the University’s emergency responders, a day after Hurricane Michael made landfall on Mexico Beach.
For a firsthand look at the state of the campus, please watch this video, and hear the story of a student who sought shelter on campus during the storm.
While the campus did not lose power, please call FAMU Public Safety and Security at 850-599-3256 to report any issues on campus that need immediate attention.
We realize that many students living off campus are among the tens of thousands of people in the Tallahassee area who lost power.
Starting Friday, October 12, Tookes Recreation Center, located at 2101 Wannish Way, will be open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. for students who would like to use the showers. The showers will also be available Saturday and Sunday. The fitness center will remain closed until Monday as well as other campus facilities with the exception of the main campus dining hall in the Student Service Center.
Brunch will be served 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Continuous service (with limited options) will continue from 2-5 p.m., and dinner will be served 5-7 p.m.
The Efferson Student Union and Activities will open its Multipurpose Rooms for students to use as study lounges, starting tomorrow, from noon – 9 p.m. The study lounges will be open through Sunday during the designated times.
Classes will resume Monday, October 15, at the main campus, FAMU Developmental Research School and satellite sites, including Crestview.
October 11, 2018 – 3 p.m.
Dear FAMU Family:
Classes will resume Monday, October 15, on Florida A&M University’s main campus and all satellite campuses, including the Crestview site.
I am pleased to report that the campuses have full power. The University’s emergency responders are assessing the property and buildings on campus. So far, there are downed trees and fences, debris and minor property damage.
About half of our students who live in residence halls left before the storm, and about 1,200 stayed in their rooms. The main dining hall resumed brunch service this morning and will also be open for dinner 5-7 p.m. There will be continuous service from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. until Sunday. All campus dining facilities will resume normal hours of operation Monday.
The University’s shuttle service is available 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and will pick up and drop off students every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour.
Boxed meals, snacks and water were provided to students and visitors who spent Tuesday and Wednesday in the shelters in the Band Rehearsal Hall and Tookes Recreation Center, which have been closed.
The Florida National Guard and first responders are using the Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center for a staging area. They will be dispatched to areas affected by Hurricane Michael and assist with restoring power, security and other logistics.
Please know that our University Emergency Response Team holds conference calls twice daily and will continue to post updates on FAMU’s official social media channels, FAMUInfo, FAMUNews.com, FAMU mobile app and iStrike. Students, please share these updates with your parents and family and friends. If you need additional information, please call FAMU’s Public Safety and Security Office at 850-599-3256.
I would like to extend special thanks to everyone who worked continuously to serve our campus community and provide excellent support before, during and after the storm. Please keep those affected by the hurricane in your thoughts and prayers and help them as much as you can. While the storm has passed, please adhere to safety instructions provided by emergency authorities and government agencies. For those traveling to Tallahassee, please check local and state road conditions and monitor weather reports.
Sincerely,
Larry Robinson, Ph.D.
President
October 10, 2018 – 7 p.m.
The National Weather Service reports Hurricane Michael made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane at 2 p.m. in Panama City. A Tornado Watch remains in effect for Leon County until 8 p.m.
Expect strong winds in excess of 45 miles per hour until 8 p.m.
Power outages and downed trees blocking roads have been reported throughout the Tallahassee area.
Although the forecast calls for calmer winds by midnight, please stay away from windows and doors and monitor local weather reports. Limit travel, and stay away from downed power lines, flooded streets and standing water and trees, due to instability.
Students and visitors staying in the temporary shelter in the Foster-Tanner Music Building – Band Rehearsal Hall are urged to stay there until University staff provides a strategy for returning to your residence.
Dining Services Will Resume Thursday, October 11.
The main dining hall is scheduled to begin brunch service at 10 a.m. and will close at 2 p.m. Dinner will be served 5-7 p.m. Once the University’s emergency responders assess campus roads, shuttle service may resume at a time that will be announced by 8 a.m. Thursday.
All students on campus should be in their living spaces or the designated shelter.
Any campus activity outside of emergency management, food services and shelter areas should cease until further notice, including student organizations’ intake, recruitment or regular meetings.
October 10, 2018 – 12:15 p.m.
The National Hurricane Center has upgraded Hurricane Michael to a Category 4 hurricane. A Tornado Watch is in effect for Leon County until 5 p.m. The hurricane is expected to make landfall east of Panama City. Strong winds in excess of 40 miles per hour have reached the Tallahassee area and are expected to increase throughout the day. Highest wind speeds and wind gusts are expected between 4 and 10 p.m. The Center is warning of catastrophic damage. Power outages and downed trees have been reported throughout the Tallahassee area and may affect driving conditions.
Please stay away from windows and doors and monitor local weather reports. Limit travel, and stay off the roads, if possible. After the storm, stay away from downed power lines, flooded streets, standing water and trees, due to instability.
Boxed meals, water and snacks have been delivered to all residence halls, as well as shelters housing students, employees and visitors for Wednesday, October 10.
The main dining hall is closed until further notice. All students remaining on campus should be in their living spaces or the designated shelter. Boxed meals and water will continue to be served if inclement weather prevents the opening of the main dining hall.
All campus activities outside of emergency management, food services and shelter areas should cease until further notice, including student organizations’ intake, recruitment or regular meetings.
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.
October 9, 2018 – 7 p.m.
Leon County is under a hurricane warning at this time. By 8 p.m., Tuesday, October 9, the National Hurricane Center expects tropical storm winds in excess of 40 miles per hour in the Tallahassee area, and the highest winds (over 70 miles per hour) are expected Wednesday, October 10, between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Please take cover, stay away from windows, monitor local weather reports, limit travel and use caution when driving or walking locally and outside of the area.
Commuter students, their immediate families, and employees who would like to take shelter in the Foster-Tanner Music Building – Band Rehearsal Hall on Pinder Drive (behind the Student Union) are urged to arrive immediately to avoid traveling in heavy winds and rain. Please bring student ID, personal items, blankets and pillows.
Boxed meals and water have been delivered to all residence halls, as well as shelters housing students, employees and visitors for Wednesday, October 10.
The main dining hall will close tonight, October 9, at 8 p.m., until further notice. The on-campus shuttle bus service will also stop tonight at 8 p.m., until further notice, at which time all students remaining on campus should be in their living spaces or the designated shelter.
Boxed meals and water will continue to be served if inclement weather prevents the opening of the main dining hall.
All campus activities outside of emergency management, food services and shelter areas should cease until further notice, including student organizations’ intake, recruitment or regular meetings.
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.
Employees remaining on campus should secure all golf carts (park them in the parking garage) and other loose items outside of buildings.
Hurricane Preparedness and Instructions
All students and employees are urged to avoid the path of the storm and be careful while traveling locally and outside of the area.
Download the FAMU Mobile App, and watch FAMUInfo, FAMU.edu, FAMUNews.com, the University’s official social media channels and mobile alerts for updates. For emergency assistance, call FAMU Public Safety and Security at (850) 599-3256.
Additional Safety Information for Students
During the storm, stay away from areas that can become dangerous during a storm, such as 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.
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.
October 9, 2018 – 1 p.m.
Hurricane Michael Updates
The latest reports from the National Hurricane Center indicate Hurricane Michael is gaining strength and is expected to be a Category 3 hurricane or stronger when it makes landfall Wednesday.
Strong winds, flash flooding and more than five inches of rain are expected after sunrise Wednesday and throughout Thursday morning in Leon County and the Big Bend area. There are specific campus locations designated for use while Florida A&M University’s main campus, DRS and childcare center are closed this week. For your safety, please do not attempt to access unauthorized spaces such as classrooms, libraries, laboratories, studios, buildings or other unauthorized locations. The Crestview campus remains closed.
Residential and Dining Information
FAMU students are welcome to remain in our residential facilities, and off-campus students with ID are invited to come today to the shelter in the Band Rehearsal Hall, located at 1660 Pinder Drive, in the Foster-Tanner Music Building. Please plan to arrive at the shelter as soon as possible and no later than 4 p.m. Space and cots are limited, and it is important to arrive before weather conditions worsen.
University employees and students who live off-campus may bring their children and immediate families to the shelter and must be responsible for their supervision. Essential personnel and FAMU Public Safety and Security officers will be onsite. Please bring personal items and blankets.
Hot meals will be available until 8 p.m., today, October 9, in the main dining hall. Boxed lunches will be delivered to housing facilities after 5 p.m., today, for appropriate and safe storage and for distribution on Wednesday, October 10, to students in residence halls and individuals staying in the campus shelter.
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.
The University’s shuttle service will transport students until 8 p.m., today, October 9. The Business Center will be open today until 6 p.m., today, October 9.
Hurricane Preparedness and Instructions
All students and employees are urged to avoid the path of the storm and be careful while traveling locally and outside of the area.
Download the FAMU Mobile App, and watch FAMUInfo, FAMU.edu, FAMUNews.com, the University’s official social media channels and mobile alerts for updates. For emergency assistance, call FAMU Public Safety and Security at (850) 599-3256.
Additional Safety Information for Students
- During the storm, 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.
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.
FAQS FOR STUDENTS/EMPLOYEES REGARDING WORK AND ACADEMIC PROCESSES
Frequently Asked Questions for students are available here.
Frequently Asked Questions for employees are available here.
Monday, October 8 – 8:30 p.m.
Florida A&M University (FAMU) is continuing to monitor the path of Hurricane Michael. A hurricane warning has been issued for Leon County. As the storm approaches the area, heavy winds and flooding are expected throughout the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend region. Students, employees and parents are urged to be cautious while traveling and avoid the path of the Hurricane.
While FAMU’s main campus (including FAMU DRS and the childcare center) and Crestview campus will close at 12:01 a.m., Tuesday, the FAMU College of Law in Orlando and satellite locations in Tampa, Jacksonville and Brooksville will maintain normal operations and hours. We will provide status updates about these facilities as we receive weather updates.
On Tuesday, the University’s main Residence Dining Hall will open at 7 a.m., and close at 8 p.m. A shuttle bus will be available for students living on campus to ensure safe arrival to student dining services, from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., in 30-minute intervals (for instance 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.) using the regular route stop and times.
On Wednesday, the University will deliver water and boxed meals to students in residence halls and to commuter students who choose to stay in the Band Rehearsal Hall shelter, which will open Tuesday, October 9 at noon. The Band Rehearsal Hall will offer food, water and television access. Students should bring personal items and a blanket.
Counseling services are available by phone for students in need of support. Call 833-848-1765 to speak with a licensed mental health counselor at any time, morning or night.
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.
Please review the following frequently asked questions for additional information.
How can I stay updated on how the University is preparing for the storm?
· Watch your email for updates from FAMUInfo@famu.edu.
· Watch your phone for text alerts from the University.
· Monitor www.FAMU.edu or www.FAMUNews.com for updates.
· Call the FAMU Department of Campus Safety and Security at 850-599-3256.
· Monitor local news for updates
What should I do to get prepared for the storm?
The State of Florida recommends the following:
· Ensure you have non-perishable food (enough to last at least 3 days)
· 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 waterproof container
· Develop a communications plan with family/friends
· Make sure your prescription and non-prescription medications are accessible
· Monitor local news for updates
Which items should I keep handy?
◦ Water (enough to last at least 3 days)
◦ First-aid kit (include any prescription medication you may need)
◦ Personal hygiene items and sanitation items
◦ Flashlights (have extra batteries on hand)
◦ Battery operated radio (again, have extra batteries)
◦ Waterproof container with cash and important documents
◦ Manual can opener
◦ Books, magazines, games for recreation
◦ Special needs items: pet supplies and baby supplies if applicable
◦ Cooler and ice packs
More preparation tips and information are available at:
· http://www.floridadisaster.org/
· https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit
FAQS FOR STUDENTS
Frequently Asked Questions for students are available here.
Frequently Asked Questions for employees are available here.
Monday, October 8 – 2:30 p.m.
Due to National Hurricane Center weather predictions, Florida A&M University’s main campus in Tallahassee, FAMU DRS, the FAMU Educational Research Center for Child Development (Day Care Center) and the Crestview campus will close from 12:01 a.m., Tuesday, October 9, through Friday, October 12. Weekend classes and events are canceled. Volleyball games and the Candidates’ Forum scheduled for this week are also canceled. The University is expected to resume all normal operations on Monday, October 15.
All students and employees are urged to avoid the path of the storm and exercise extreme caution while traveling locally and outside of the area. Very high winds are expected to begin Tuesday evening. Be advised of travel-related challenges such as high volume traffic, decreased availability of gas, and availability of hotel accommodations.
Essential employees, as designated by their supervisors, are expected to report to work, according to emergency procedures.
Residence Halls and the main dining center will remain open. On-campus shelter for commuter students and employees will be open at noon, Tuesday, October 9, in the Band Rehearsal Hall, located at 1660 Pinder Ave., in the Foster-Tanner Music Building.
In the event that there are power outages, boxed meals and water will be delivered to those remaining or sheltering on campus. Other on-campus amenities and food services for the remainder of the week will be announced later today.
Watch FAMUInfo, FAMU.edu, FAMUNews.com, and the University’s official social media channels for updates.
More preparation tips and information are available at:
· www.famu.edu/emergency
· http://www.floridadisaster.org/
· https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit
Monday, October 8 – 8:38 a.m.
Florida A&M University’s leadership and emergency responders are monitoring Tropical Storm Michael and corresponding with government agencies to prepare the University and its satellite locations for the impact of the storm.
According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm will likely be designated a hurricane before landfall, and its forecasters predict a high probability of impact for Tallahassee as early as Tuesday. An increase in wind and heavy rainfall could cause flooding and downed trees in the area.
We will provide another update Monday and alert the University community if there are any changes to the weather conditions.
Please monitor local news, FAMU.edu, iStrike, and FAMUInfo for updates.
Preparation tips and preparedness information for Hurricane Season are available at www.famu.edu/emergency.
