Hurricane preparations and procedures
As any student at Wesleyan knows, rain boots and umbrellas are essential to life on campus. We’re no strangers to wading through streams in place of sidewalks and wringing out socks over heaters. With the approach of hurricane Florence, we brace ourselves once more.
Should the university shut down and cancel classes, a notification will be sent out through a variety of sources. The school website, inclement weather/emergency hotline, email, and LiveSafe app will all have notifications. In addition, social media and local TV and radio stations will broadcast information.
If the halls remain open, students from the immediate area will be encouraged to return to their off-campus housing. Other students will remain in their dorms.
Food and water will be available from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for lunch and from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for dinner. Food and bottled water will also be sent to locations throughout campus prior to the storm’s arrival, if necessary. The locations are as follows:
-Bray Village (V1): Eggleston and Rose Hall, first floor
-Allen Village (V2): East and Johnston Suites
-Brock Village (V3): North A, South A, and Teagle A Suites; Townhomes and apartments in the first floor inner hallways
-Honors Village (V4): The Resident Assistants (RA’s) townhome(s)
If the residence halls close, two options are available. If it is safe to stay in the area, students will convene in a central location, usually the CMAC or other area in the Batten Student Center. If it is unsafe to stay in the immediate area, the campus will be vacated and students will be transported by chartered bus to Randolph-Macon University. Any mandatory evacuations will follow the same plan.
If a power outage occurs, backup power is available.
In an effort to prepare for emergencies, Wesleyan has a Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT). Should an emergency arise, the CERT will implement emergency procedures. The Team is comprised of various administrators, faculty and staff who periodically meet to discuss concerns regarding natural disasters and medical emergencies. They also meet to address any immediate concerns or urgent situations on campus.
Keith Moore, the Vice President for Student Affairs, is the coordinator for the CERT.
In the event that a situation or emergency occurs that the CERT cannot handle, Virginia Beach emergency services will be contacted.
The school publishes a yearly Emergency Operations Plan. The plan for the 2018-2019 year is located at https://www.vwu.edu/emergency/pdfs/emergency_operations_plan.pdf.
