Photo courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association/NASA
By Nicole Kessler
While Hurricane Joaquin is still battering the Bahamas as a Category 4 storm, meteorologists predict that the hurricane is going to drift off into sea before reaching the east coast.
Quinnipiac University may be saved this time from the storm’s path, but the Department of Residential life still urges students to take precaution incase of blistering winds and torrential rain.
On Thursday the Department of Residential life sent a mass email to all residential students as well as a post on MyQ with tips and resource information in preparation for the storm.
The email gave students a list of 10 helpful tips to keep in mind.
A couple suggested registering your cell phone with the QU Broadcast Alert System by registering through the Department of Public Safety’s MYQ page, park all cars at York Hill garage, charge all cell phones and laptops, and create a supply kit.
Bottled water, nonperishable food, batteries, battery operated clock or radio, and a first aid kit are all items Cindy Long Porter, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs recommends to have handy.
According to the Weather Channel, Friday’s precipitation will be 90 percent with winds at 17 mph. For Saturday the precipitation is 70 percent with winds at 20 mph, and Saturday night the rain will taper down to 20 percent with winds still strong at 17 mph.
“I want to know what’s happening, so I am watching The Weather Channel for updates to where Joaquin supposed to head,” sophomore Allison Parker said. “If it’s going to head off to sea I’m going to prepare differently if it’s going to head straight at us.”
Cindy Long Porter, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs recommended actions for students to take.
“I am seeing the same reports that you are however, I would urge students to pay attention to weather alerts for the best up to date information,” she said. “Conditions are still subject to change. I urge students to pay attention to weather alerts for the best up to date information.”
Some students are less concerned about the storm, and are using it as a social and academic catch up.
“So basically my floor and I are just going to be having a movie night tonight and tomorrow to avoid going out,” Ashley Nally, a freshman said, “From what I have seen on the news, it seems like it’s going to be a bid deal.”
The email urges students to contact Public Safety with concerns or if situations arise in student housing.
