Hurricane Irene prompts schedule changes at Lehigh

As reports warning of a powerful hurricane headed toward the East Coast intensified on Friday, administrators at Lehigh quickly revised a full schedule of weekend events for new and returning students.

Early Friday afternoon, the Office of Student Affairs announced that the First Year Rally scheduled for Saturday evening was canceled, and that all of Sunday’s events – including the President’s Convocation – were cancelled.

While first-year students arrived on Thursday, upperclass students are expected to return to campus over the weekend. Administrators are encouraging those students to arrive on campus as early in the weekend as possible.

It is expected that classes will be held as scheduled Monday morning, but students, faculty and staff are encouraged to check the Lehigh website for updates, or to register to receive LU-ALERTs, a text messaging system used to communicate emergencies or school closings due to inclement weather.

In a campus-wide email issued at approximately 9:30 a.m. Friday morning, the Office of Environmental Health and Safety offered the following advice to members of the Lehigh community:

UPPERCLASS STUDENTS:
Please note that your move-in will take place as scheduled, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, at the Campus Square D Lounge.

STUDENTS ON AND OFF CAMPUS
Remain indoors during periods of high winds, rain and lightning.

Ensure your cell phones are fully charged by this weekend.

Prepare for power outages by having flashlights and extra batteries. Keep in mind that you cannot use candles or open flames in campus buildings. For fire safety reasons, off campus students should not use candles or open flames.

Ensure windows and doors remain closed during the storm.

Students in residence halls should seek necessary assistance from Gryphons on your floor. Those students living in fraternity or sorority houses should seek assistance from the individuals in charge of your house.

In cases of extreme emergency - such as reporting a fire, crime or medical emergency - please call the Lehigh University Police Department at 610-758-4200.

Additional medical assistance will also be available through the Lehigh University Health Center, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The main number for the Health Center is 610-758-3870.

LAB PERSONNEL
Ensure your emergency contact information on your lab door is up to date.

Make preparations in your laboratory for a potential loss of power. This should include ventilation, refrigeration, gas alarm systems and any other process that requires electrical power.

OFFICE PERSONNEL
Ensure the windows in your office are closed before leaving for the weekend.

Relocate electronics, paperwork and other critically important pieces of information to locations that are protected from potential leaks in your building.

Review your business continuity plan and emergency preparedness plan with your staff before leaving for the weekend.