WEATHER UPDATE/CAMPUS ALERT: Potential Heavy Rainfall & High Winds

Dear Members of the Campus Community:

In anticipation of potential heavy rainfall and high winds in the Pittsburgh area later this week due to Hurricane Katrina, we are making plans to ensure personal safety and are taking precautionary measures to avoid damage to campus facilities caused by flooding and power outages.

Facilities Management Services personnel are on alert, diligently watching campus facilities and taking proactive measures to reinforce areas of concern. Activities are also under way to prepare water pumps and alternative power generators should flooding and the loss of power occur. Environmental Health and Safety, Housing and many other areas of the university are also engaging in precautionary activities.

The university is also urging all faculty, staff and students to be personally vigilant in anticipation of flooding and loss of power. For example, it would be prudent by Tuesday afternoon to move computers and other belongings off the floor to higher ground if you're in an area that may be prone to flooding. Similarly, never wade through standing flood waters, and stay away from and report all down electrical power lines. Your safety is the top priority.

Please stay tuned to your email and campus news outlets for news bulletins in the event that cancellations, closings or emergencies should occur due to the storm. If necessary, important updates and announcements will be distributed via email from "Official Communications" and the subject line will read "WEATHER UPDATE/CAMPUS ALERT." All updates will also be posted to www.cmu.edu, the official.cmu-news and cmu.misc.news electronic bulletin boards and the main university phone line at 412-268-2000. The professional staff is also working on an alert for parents with children at the Cyert Center. The Children's School is not yet in session.

Please be cautious and report any emergency situation to the FMS Service Response Center at 412-268-2910.

Thank you for your caution, attention and consideration.

August 29, 2005