Contact: Maridith Geuder
STARKVILLE, Miss.--With the effects of Hurricane Katrina expected to be felt later today [Monday] throughout the state, Mississippi State University classes and non-essential services will close at noon.
The Longest Student Health Center will remain open 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. for routine and emergency medical care.
The MSU-Meridian campus is closed throughout the day Monday.
Both the Starkville and Meridian campuses will re-open at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday [Aug. 30], conditions permitting.
"As always, we urge students, faculty and staff to exercise caution and to put their safety first," said MSU President Charles Lee. "We will provide updated information on the university's Web site at www.msstate.edu.";
All residence halls will remain open. Residents are being asked to take precautions, including:
-Stay indoors. As the weather deteriorates, being outdoors will become very dangerous. Debris can be thrown about by wind causing damage and injury, and flooding may be a problem. Also, MSU maintenance and custodial staff, campus landscape, and police will be responding as needed to debris and water damage, and extra foot traffic and vehicular traffic will only complicate matters and diminish responsiveness.
-Do not attempt to go home or leave campus. Government and University officials are discouraging all travel during this storm. Roads in many areas have become flooded and impassible.
-Keep window blinds lowered and shut. In the event that the window is struck by debris, the blinds will help control broken glass.
In the event of a power outage, the American Red Cross provides the following safety tips: Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Never use candles! Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out. Avoid opening the refrigerator. Listen to local radio and television for updated information.
All residence hall staff (RDs and RAs) will be on hand to respond as needed in each building. If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to call or locate one of these staff members.
Mississippi State is providing lodging free of charge for evacuees and others who may need shelter in Herbert Hall Guest Housing on the east side of campus off of Hardy Road. The Red Cross is providing meals, snacks, and supplies as needed. Contact Shay McDonnall, assistant director for conferences and guest housing, at 662-325-2867 for lodging details. Contact Oktibbeha County Red Cross staff at 662-769-4621 as needed.
Area managers for Mississippi State offices south of Interstate 20 will make decisions for their offices based on safety, weather conditions and other considerations.
Employees who will remain on campus to provide essential services include those in the police department, physical plant and custodial services, residence halls, and dining services.