Governor declares 'precautionary' state of emergency; University remains open, Sept. 18

Gov. James McGreevey has declared a "precautionary" state of emergency for New Jersey effective at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, in anticipation of severe weather caused by Hurricane Isabel. No travel ban will be imposed.

Given the nature of the governor's declaration, Princeton University remains open. University officials are proceeding with precautionary measures in anticipation of a major storm.

In the event of an actual emergency, updates will continue to be posted on the Princeton home page . Campus opening and closing information also will be available on the University's weather emergency hotline, (609) 258-SNOW.

As a safety precaution, the University is recommending that students close and latch all windows in their dorm rooms. In the event of a power outage, updates will be posted at dining facilities and in directory cases around campus.

Department representatives are asked to update all contact lists and shut down all unnecessary equipment.

In addition, all campus community members are asked to take the following safety precautions in the event of a major storm:

  • Reduce electrical demand to a minimum to reduce load on the University's cogeneration plant.
  • Remove and store or secure all portable equipment, lawn furniture and other items that could be damaged in severe weather.
  • Avoid wooded areas.
  • Avoid construction sites, detention basins or other flooded areas.
  • Report any flooding or other hazardous conditions to the Facilities Customer Service Center at (609) 258-8000.

The University maintains an Emergency Preparedness Web site, which can be accessed through the "Emergency Info" link on the home page. In addition to the latest updates, this site includes emergency guidelines for the campus community and various campus emergency quick links.

The University's Office of Human Resources also maintains a weather emergency reference page for employees.

For further information about Hurricane Isabel, the National Weather Service provides weather updates for the central New Jersey region on its Web site, as well as a link to the National Hurricane Center Web site.

In addition, the Federal Emergency Management Agency maintains a hurricane fact sheet on its Web site.