University, City and County officials have been working together to prepare for possibly the worst storm to hit the Charlottesville area since Hurricane Fran in 1996.
Meetings have been held for the past three to four days on potential consequences of Hurricane Isabel on University students and facilities. Preparations include equipment and vehicle checks, emergency run-throughs, extra staffing and encouraging common sense among the student body.
"The real thing is getting the right information and keeping people safe," said Patricia Lampkin, University vice president of student affairs. "Things that start out looking like fun can actually be pretty dangerous."
Because of government and University preparation, officials say they are confident in the community's ability to handle Isabel's wrath.
The University's Web site now includes a link, www.virginia.edu/emergency, where students can keep up to date, and administrators have circulated a school wide e-mail. Information also can be found at the Virginia Department of Emergency Management's Web site, http://www.vaemergency.com.
Parking and Transportation Director Rebecca White said preparation on Grounds included clearing drains and reviewing protocol for fallen trees and power lines.
City detour routes also are being reviewed. Charlottesville spokesperson Maurice Jones explained that Hurricane Fran caused serious traffic problems.
"We had 70 streets that were blocked over a two-day period, and seven streets flooded within the city," he said.
The City and County fire stations also are running equipment checks and calling in extra staff. The East Rivanna Fire Station on Rt. 250 East became an emergency shelter as of 6:00 p.m. yesterday.
On Grounds, preparations include readying dining halls for availability for all students regardless of meal plans. Observatory Hill and Runk Dining Halls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Newcomb Dining Hall will remain open as long as it has power.
Officials' main advice for safety for individual students is to use common sense, though certain guidelines have also been recommended that can be found in the University-wide e-mail.
Jones said he wants students to remember that lawn furniture and grills can become projectiles in high winds. Albemarle County spokesperson Lee Caitlin emphasized the importance of having batteries, flashlights, radios and bottled water.
However, Diane Fleshman, store manager at the Barracks Road Kroger, said that some of those items could be hard to come by.
"Everyone's been leaving with a six-pack of water," she said. Other depleted products include batteries, flashlights, frozen pizzas and duct tape.
University officials said while none of the University facilities are being used as emergency shelters for the community, students will be able stay in them if the need arises. She urged people to be aware of the location of the storm and to stay safe by remaining indoors while there are strong rain and high winds.
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