Emergency Information

Hurricane Sandy Update

USciences will resume classes and normal operations, Wednesday, October 31, 2012. If any faculty or staff experience local conditions that prevent them from coming to work, please notify your immediate supervisor. If you are a faculty member, please notify students via Blackboard and/or Angel and contact your department chair, if you anticipate cancelling a class. Students who commute and are unable to make it to campus due to local conditions please notify your instructors.

CLASSES CANCELLED MONDAY & TUESDAY

Due to severe weather that is predicted to accompany the arrival of Hurricane Sandy, all classes at USciences have been cancelled for Monday, October 29 and Tuesday, October 30. Only those personnel providing essential services should report to work on Monday and Tuesday.  

 

• The Residence Halls will remain open and fully staffed.
• Students remaining on campus will continue to have access to the Wilson Hall Dining Facility.
• The Library and ARC will close as of 5:00pm today, however Alumni Hall will remain open until 8:00pm today.  
• The Department of Public Safety will remain fully staffed and may be reached at:
  • 215-596-7000 - Emergency
  • 215-895-1117 – Non Emergency

The USciences Emergency Response Team continues to monitor the situation, and extensive preparations have been taken to ensure the safety of students and others who will be on campus during the storm.

Updates concerning the storm will be posted on the USciences homepage (http://www.usciences.edu/) and the USciences Emergency web site.  (http://emergency.usciences.edu/).  Faculty, staff and students can also call USciences Weather Emergency Line (215-596-8747) to hear a recorded message regarding the status of classes.  Additional information may also be posted at:

• KYW News Radio
• USciences email & phone voice messaging system
• USciences televisions & monitor systems

 

The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management has released the following information regarding the storms possible impact in the Philadelphia area:

 

Rain / Freshwater Flooding:  Showery rain will begin on Sunday. The core of the rain will be early Monday through Monday night.  Showers will linger into Wednesday.  Up to 4-8 inches of rain is possible in Philadelphia.   River and stream flooding is likely with this amount of rain, which would be similar to what we had with Hurricane Irene last year.  Clogged drains due to leaves could cause additional problems.

 

Winds:  Winds are forecast to be 30-50 mph sustained with higher gusts upwards of 65pmh.  This will be a long duration wind event and winds at this level could last for 24 hours or more, likely from early Monday into early Tuesday.  Downed trees and power outages are likely with this level of wind.

 

Tidal Flooding:   The level of storm surge driven by southeast winds could produce record levels of flooding along the tidal Delaware River and the lower Schuylkill River and could last for several tide cycles.  High tides of particular concern are 1:30am and 2pm Monday. Coastal Flooding has the potential for 4-8ft of surge along the Delaware which could reach record levels around 10.5ft during high tide Monday at 2pm.   

 

Temperatures:  Temperatures will primarily be in the 40s and low 50s during and after the event.

This is a major storm that will bring high winds and significant rain to the area. Localized flooding and some power outages are expected during the storm. We urge everyone to exercise extreme caution during this time. Information regarding hurricane preparedness can be found at the following link from FEMA: www.ready.gov/hurricanes

Tornado Watch/Severe Weather Notice

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for Philadelphia and surrounding counties until 7pm today. A Tornado Watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms with possible tornadoes. Persons in the watch area should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.

In addition, the Office of Emergency Management is monitoring thunderstorms and winds moving our way this afternoon. Even if a tornado does not develop, thunderstorms can bring in destructive straight line winds. Although unlikely, depending on how rainfall develops, small stream and/or river flooding may also be possible. A Wind Advisory is currently in effect until 12am this evening. Gusts could reach upwards of 50 mph with sustained winds between 20 and 25 mph.

Finally, a Coastal flood advisory is in effect until 6pm this evening. Minor flooding is possible along the Delaware River with high tide expected at 4pm. For current weather information, please visit the National Weather Service at http://www.weather.gov/phi

If traveling in the area, please exercise caution and seek shelter as needed.

10/28/11: Weekend Weather Advisory

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has released the following information:

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is monitoring an early season Nor'easter storm that will bring heavy rain, wind, and possible snow to the City of Philadelphia.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the City of Philadelphia, in effect from noon Saturday through 2 am Sunday.

A Coastal Flood Warning has been issued for the tidal Delaware River on Saturday afternoon from noon to 5 pm.  Moderate flooding is possible on the Delaware River.  No flooding is expected on the Schuylkill River or the smaller creeks in Philadelphia from this event.

According to the Winter Weather Advisory:  

* Accumulations... 1 to 2 inches. The greatest accumulations should be on non-paved surfaces.

* Timing... Rain will overspread the region after midnight tonight, then mix with wet snow around midday before changing to wet snow during the afternoon.

* Impacts... Areas of slippery travel developing, and the heavy wet snow will weigh down tree limbs which still have leaves on them.  This will potentially lead to some downed tree limbs and power outages. There could be a burst of heavy wet snow during the height of the storm, locally increasing the accumulation rate for a time Saturday evening.

* Winds... North 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

* Temperatures... Around 40, but then falling into the lower 30s Saturday night.

* Visibilities... Reduced to well under a mile at times.

Winter Storm Warnings have been issued for Bucks, Chester, and Montgomery Counties, with forecasts of 2 to 6 inches of snow.

This is a challenging forecast. It is unlikely that there will be much clarity on the timing of a transition to snow until during the day on Saturday.  A worst case scenario would see an earlier transition to snow in Philadelphia and several hours of heavy, accumulating snow during the afternoon and evening, with total amounts reaching 6-8"  Power outages and downed tree limbs could be a significant issue if snow totals approach the worst case scenario.  

However, it is also possible that the rain doesn't transition to snow until late in the day and that no accumulations occur in Philadelphia.  

Refer to the National Weather Service website at www.weather.gov/phi for updated forecast information.

For an updated snowfall forecast from NWS, refer to http://www.erh.noaa.gov/phi/StormTotalSnow/index.php

Low temperatures on Sunday morning are expected to be in the low 30s, and the high temperature Sunday is 50, so any snow that falls should melt quickly.

09/08/11: Weather Update

Dear faculty, staff, and students,

 

The University is monitoring the current weather conditions as the rain/flooding are impacting local transportation systems.  The campus is currently unaffected and operating on a normal schedule. 

 

If any faculty or staff experience local conditions that prevent them from coming to work, please notify your immediate supervisor if you are a staff member. If you are a faculty member, please notify students via Blackboard and/or Angel and contact your department chair, if you anticipate cancelling a class. 

 

Students who commute and are unable to make it to campus due to local conditions please notify your instructors.

 

Below is the latest weather information from the Office of Emergency Management:

 

Recent weather events have been extremely unpredictable. As of now water levels on creeks, streams, and rivers are slowly receding and forecasts predict light rain over the next 24 hours. However, there still remains uncertainty on the amount of rain that will continue to fall, and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) advises all agencies / organizations to maintain situational awareness by going to the NWS website at: http://weather.gov/phi  , as well as monitor river conditions by clicking the AHPS link on the left hand menu.

As of now:

• Flood Warning remains in effect until further notice for the Schuylkill River which currently is at 12.48 feet and is forecast to slowly recede to 10.5 feet by 8pm on Saturday. The U.S. Corps of Army Engineers have begun to manually release water at the Blue Marsh Dam in Berks County to control the lake levels. Although this has not been done since 2006, National Weather Service does not anticipate more than a few inches of increase to the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia.
• Costal Flood Advisory is in effect until 1pm today and a Costal Flood Watch in effect for this evening for the Delaware River.
• Flood Warning is in effect for urban areas and small streams until 4:30pm.
• Flood Watch is in effect through this evening.

The attached map highlights road closures in Philadelphia as of 11am. (Please keep in mind this data is not real time and is subject to change. Stay tuned to media for real time updates)
Some important updates to note that conflict with the attached map:

• I-76 is now open in both directions.
• MLK Blvd is closed but crews are working to open by the evening rush.

SEPTA Alerts:
Service has been suspended on the following lines due to flooding; Chestnut Hill West, Lansdale/Doylestown, Norristown, Warminster, West Trenton, Cynwyd.
Trenton line may experience delays of up to 25 minutes.
Bus Detours can be found at www.setpa.org

University open and classes resume on Mon, Aug.29

Dear University community:

The University sustained minimal impact from the hurricane and no injuries reported. There were no power outages, no major flooding, and minimal property damage. The University has resumed normal operations, and will be open and classes will be held on August 29^th.

All area mass transportation systems are resuming normal operations and expect to be fully functional tomorrow.

If any faculty or staff experience local conditions that prevent them from coming to work, please notify your immediate supervisor if you are a staff member. If you are a faculty member, please notify students via Blackboard and/or Angel and contact your department chair, if you anticipate cancelling a class.

Students who have not yet checked in should report to the front desk in Wilson Hall, on Monday, August 29^th beginning at 8:00am.

UPDATE: Hurricane Irene and Upperclass Move-in

The University are busily planning for your arrival, especially due to the impending hurricane on your move-in day, Sunday, Aug. 28.

Because of the forecasted inclement weather, we wish to accommodate any resident who wishes to move-in before the storm begins.  As such, we are offering you the opportunity to arrive on either:

• Saturday, Aug. 27 between Noon and 5 p.m., or
• Sunday, Aug. 28 between Noon and 5 p.m.

By moving in on Saturday, we hope to minimize any danger (and sogginess) you might experience from moving-in on Sunday’s originally scheduled move-in time.  However, we recognize that you may already have plans that require you arrive on Sunday; we’ve ensured that you can still check-in during your originally scheduled time.

On both days, all check-ins and key pick-ups will occur at the Wilson Front Desk.

Should you move-in on Saturday, please remember:

• The Code of Conduct, which governs all students’ behaviors, will be in effect.  You will be expected to make informed decisions and accept the consequences of poor choices.
• Meal plans will begin on Saturday for lunch (Noon-1:45 p.m.).  If you are not on a meal plan, but wish to eat in the Wilson Dining Hall, discounted rates will be available for lunch ($7) and dinner ($10).  Wilson Express will not be open during the weekend.
• Starbucks will be open both Saturday and Sunday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• You must respect that Welcome Weekend events are designed for only first-year students to attend.  Please also remember that University offices open during the weekend will only be staffed to accommodate the needs of our first-year students.
• The ARC will be open on both Saturday, Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 28 from Noon to 8 p.m. for all students.
• You will not be permitted to host guests until Monday (per Welcome Weekend policy).

We hope that these accommodations will benefit many of you and ensure safer travels.

8/24/2011: Hurricane Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Notification

In the event that a hurricane is predicted to impact the USciences campus or surrounding community the Department of Public Safety will implement it’s Emergency Notification System, which includes, but is not limited to text messaging, email and the emergency information website in order to alert the campus community.

What to do if you are on campus?

• Listen to the radio and TV for the latest information
• Seek safe shelter indoors and stay indoors
• Stay away from windows
• Keep curtains and blinds closed
• Move to small interior rooms, closet or hallway on the lowest level
• In the event of an emergency, call Public Safety at 215-576-7000 and 911
• Remain indoors until the all clear is given

Prepare an Emergency “GO BAG” and/or Disaster Supply Kit

• Include water and non-perishable foods
• Medication
• Battery powered radio
• Battery powered flashlight
• Cell phone charger
• Important documents
• Emergency contact information
• Cash
• Any items that you may need in the event of an emergency that fit into a backpack

For more information visit: http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html

What is a hurricane?

A hurricane is a violent storm with intense winds, heavy rain and thunderstorms. The combination of the intense winds and heavy rains can cause significant property damage, storm surges, flooding and landslides.  Hurricanes are classified as a Category 1 through 5 with 5 being the worst and are tracked as either a storm watch or storm warning.

Hurricane Categories:

Category One Hurricane - Sustained winds 74-95 mph – Very Dangerous

Category Two Hurricane - Sustained winds 96-110 mph – Extremely Dangerous

Category Three Hurricane - Sustained winds 111-130 mph – Devastating Damage

Category Four Hurricane  - Sustained winds 131-155 mph – Catastrophic Damage

Category Five Hurricane - Sustained winds greater than 155 mph – Catastrophic Damage

                                    Source: National Weather Service, The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

Hurricane Storm Watch - storm conditions are possible in the specified area, usually within 36 hours. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

 

Hurricane Storm Warning - storm conditions are expected in the specified area, usually within 24 hours.

                                    Source: FEMA, Hurricane: Know the Terms

Additional Hurricane Resources

• Ready America - http://www.ready.gov/america/index.html
• FEMA - http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/index.shtm
• National Hurricane Center - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
• Ready Philadelphia - http://oem.readyphiladelphia.org/Ready

 

6/2/2011: FEMA - What to do during a tornado?

Outlined below is a summary of information provided by FEMA regarding tornadoes and what actions you should take during a tornado. For additional information visit http://www.fema.gov/hazard/tornado/index.shtm

Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can cause fatalities and devastate a neighborhood in seconds. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Every state is at some risk from this hazard.

Some tornadoes are clearly visible, while rain or nearby low-hanging clouds obscure others. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that little, if any, advance warning is possible.

Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. A cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.

What to do during a tornado?

• If you are under a tornado WARNING, seek shelter immediately
• If you are in a structure go to a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.

Note: If you are in a campus building stay away from windows and seek safe shelter in an interior room on the lowest level of the building, closet or interior hallway.

• If you are in a vehicle get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.
• If you are outside with no shelter lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter. Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

 

9/2/2010: Hurricane/Tropical Storm Awareness

The Centers for Disease Control and the National Weather Service are warning that Hurricane Earl is projected to impact residents along the East Coast of the United States.  The storm is not expected to affect our campus community, but it is advised that individuals be proactive and learn how to take the necessary steps to protect your health and safety before, during, and after a storm. 

 

For more information visit:

 

http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/pdf/readiness.pdf

http://www.weather.gov/

http://oem.readyphiladelphia.org/RelId/606683/ISvars/default/Home.htm

http://kyw.cbslocal.com/