Preparing for Hurricane Irene

PENN POSTPONING EARLY MOVE-IN /  ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION
Early move-in for students at Penn, originally scheduled for Sunday, August 28, is being postponed until Monday, August 29, due to the expectation of severe weather in the Philadelphia area in connection with hurricane Irene.

The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane warning for Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware. Strong winds and rain are expected to approach the Philadelphia region at about 2 a.m. Sunday. With the safety of the University community of utmost concern, Penn is encouraging all students and their families to monitor the storm closely, and check the University homepage for updates, as they finalize their travel plans.

Students already en route to the University from great distances should contact 215-898-3547. While the University will do its best to accommodate them, it is strongly advised that they attempt to delay their travel plans until after the storm has passed.

The storm, currently a category 2 hurricane, is expected to approach the Philadelphia area Sunday at 2 a.m., according to the National Weather Service, with potential winds of 50-70 mph, 100 percent chance of rain and anticipated flooding.

Students and staff already in residence on campus should check with staff on duty in their buildings for potential safety updates and emergency instructions. All residence halls will be staffed around the clock but some amenities, such as dining service, may be limited during the storm.

Residents are advised to stay indoors during periods of high winds and heavy rains.

The Division of Public Safety and Facilities and Real Estate Services are coordinating efforts to keep the campus safe and minimize damage. For safety updates, visit www.publicsafety.upenn.edu. Those with concerns about possible flooding of low-lying areas, or other issues, can alert facilities operations by calling 215-898-7208. Also check with them for tarpaulins to prevent potential damage to electronic equipment.

Please check the following sites for updates:
PennDesign Website: http://www.design.upenn.edu/
PennDesign Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PennDesign

The University is advising all members of the campus community, including staff and faculty, to turn off all lights and tightly close all doors and windows upon leaving Friday afternoon. Additionally, electronic equipment should be moved off the floor and away from windows.

Additionally, staff should discuss contingency plans with their supervisors in the event of transportation or other issues Monday that may affect work schedules.

For more information visit:

http://www.upenn.edu/about/emergency_preparedness.php

ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION 
The University of Pennsylvania Crisis Management Forum has offered the following to help you prepare for Hurricane Irene. In preparation of possible effects, please make sure you have the following before tomorrow:

• At least $40 in cash, a mixture of fives and ones;
• Enough bottled water to last at least 3 days, one gallon per person per day;
• Enough canned, non-perishable food to last at least 3 days;
• A non-electric can opener;
• A flashlight with extra batteries;
• A battery-operated radio; and
• Candles and a lighter in case the power goes out.

Although there are many other things that you could have that would be of benefit, such as a First Aid Kit, the above is what you should have at a minimum. Please visit http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2011/08/24/hurricane-preparedness/ for a full list of the recommended hurricane preparedness items.

Please stay tuned to the local TV news and/or email updates from the university. If an emergency arises and you need assistance, please call 511 from an on-campus phone for assistance or 911 for local emergency personnel.

For University information, follow this link: http://www.upenn.edu/about/emergency_preparedness.php.