Inclement Weather Announcement and Important Information

March 18 2021
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Inclement Weather Announcement and Information

The National Weather Service is predicting potentially dangerous weather which could produce extreme conditions such as tornadoes, wind gusts, and/or hail in northeastern North Carolina, on Thursday, March 18.  Thus, the University has made the following decisions:

  • The University will shift to remote instruction on Thursday, March 18, 1:00 p.m. thru 9:00 p.m. 
  • University Support Offices will close at 2:30 PM
  • Essential emergency support staff should consult with their supervisor on departmental staffing needs
  • Dining services will offer normal cafeteria hours and Murfs will be closing at 3:00 pm 

As always, Chowan University community members should put safety first when traveling during inclement weather.  In addition, see safety tips below from the national weather service, tornado evacuation areas on-campus, CUHawk Alert information, and information on the Rave Guardian App. 

Tornado Safety Tips

A tornado is a very intense low-pressure area with counterclockwise winds sometimes exceeding 200 mph. Tornadoes generally move in a direction from the southwest to the northeast. A rapid reduction in atmospheric pressure causes structures to explode from the inside. Flying objects such as boards, limbs or other building materials cause most injuries. Adequate preparation for a tornado is the most difficult of all considerations; it offers the least amount of advance warning.

The National Weather Service offers these suggestions:

Tornado Watch (Conditions are right for tornado development.)

1.    Stay calm. Continue normal activities, but be alert.

2.    Monitor weather reports – take shelter.

Tornado Warning (A tornado has actually been sighted).

1.    Seek shelter – to the lowest floor, preferably an interior hallway – stay away from windows.

2.    Avoid long span buildings (Helms Center Gym, Hawks Nest, Jenkins Center Gym etc.). If unavoidable, go to the rest rooms, closets, or hallways of these structures – sit with your back to wall and hands folded over head and neck.

3.    If caught outside:

a.    Move away at right angles from the storm’s path.

b.    Get out of vehicles.

4.    Lie flat in the lowest spot available (ditch, ravine, or other low spot).

Tornado/Severe Weather Preparation: 

  • stay indoors
  • be cautious
  • close and secure windows
  • charge phones and other devices
  • move vehicles away from trees
  • make someone aware of your location
  • use good judgment
  • Tornado Evacuation Areas On-Campus 

If a Tornado Warning has been issued on campus you should move immediately to find a safe area and protect yourself.  See below for a list of suggestions for different buildings on campus.

  • Academic Buildings – Lowest level of building, using interior hallways, away from windows and doors.
  • Belk Hall – 1st floor north/south hallway, interior laundry rooms and restroom
  • Columns Building – lower level aways from windows and doors
  • Dunn Hall – 1st floor hallways away from windows and doors
  • Hassell Center – Break room
  • Hawks Athletics Center – Training room, locker rooms, interior hallways away    from windows and doors
  • Jenkins Center – Restrooms and aerobics room away from windows and doors
  • Library – Lower Level away from windows and doors
  • Mixon Hall – 1st floor hallway
  • Parker Hall – Interior restroom away from windows and doors
  • Penny Hall – lower level away from windows and doors
  • Pond Center – Interior hallways away from windows and doors
  • Simons Hall – 1st floor hallway away from windows and doors
  • Thomas Cafeteria – under tables and away from windows and doors
  • Whites Crossing Suites – shower areas, common area laundry room on first floor
  • Whites Crossing Apartments  – shower areas
  • Unlisted buildings- move to interior hallways or areas away from windows and doors.

CUHawkAlert Information 

If you have already registered, all you have to do is login at https://www.chowan.edu/cuhawkalert and update your profile with an additional mobile number.

If you haven’t registered:

Don’t worry, you have already been added with your Chowan email address and the last known mobile number we have on file.  You can update you profile by completing the following steps to receive your CUHAWKALERT password:

  • Go to https://www.chowan.edu/cuhawkalert     
  • Click on “Forgot your password?” (This is NOT your Chowan password.)
  • Enter your Rave (CUHAWKALERT) username and click submit.   (Your username is your Chowan email ex. joey@chowan.edu)
  • Check your Chowan University email and see the email with the subject of Rave Password Reset Authorization. 
  • Click on the link, in the email, to reset your password. (don’t forget the password)
  • You will be redirected to the login page where you will enter your Chowan username and the password you just created.
  •  Once you are in the account, you may add other mobile phone numbers and email addresses.  There is also a tab called “Opt-In Lists.”  You may subscribe to any list that is available.  Currently the only lists are for weather alerts.

CUHAWKALERT and Rave do not charge subscribers to send or receive SMS messages. Standard or other messaging charges may apply depending upon your wireless carrier plan and subscription details.

If you want to opt out of SMS messages at any time by texting STOP to 67283 or 226787

If you have any questions please email cuhawkalert@chowan.edu.

Rave Guardian App

Download the Rave Guardian App from the Google Play Store or the Apple Store on your smartphone.

You will need to choose the Chowan University campus and then you can login. 

If you have any issues with either text messages from CUHAWKALERT or the Rave Guardian App, please contact zochb@chowan.edu