As the precipitation freezes, our hearts melt

You’re rushing to class, focusing on that paper that’s due tomorrow or that problem set which you massively messed up. Suddenly, the raindrops upon your umbrella soften. Your eyes slowly look up at the grey sky, which is dusting Columbia’s campus with the joy of the first snow. Will it stick? How much can we expect? The world may never know. For now, frolic and be merry.

The Emergency Management Operations Team sent out this email with tips for the nor’easter:

Dear Fellow Members of the Columbia Community,

A significant storm with high winds and heavy rain is forecast to affect the Greater New York area from this afternoon through Thursday morning. The Emergency Management Operations Team is monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates to the Columbia community if the need arises.

Students, faculty and staff should take time to secure their spaces as soon as possible, to help preserve buildings, materials, equipment and data.

1. Make sure all windows are closed securely. This single step may be the most important way that you can protect your spaces—and those of others—from potentially damaging high winds and heavy rain.

2. Please turn off computers, lights and other equipment when leaving your space. Additionally, electrical or valuable items should be moved off the floor and away from windows.

The safety of our students and campus community is paramount. Columbia University Facilities will be available to assist you with campus and building services. To contact the Facilities Services Center, call (212) 854-2222. The Hartley Hospitality Desk will also be open; (212) 854-2779.

To report an emergency on campus please call Public Safety at (212) 854-5555. For medical or off-campus emergencies, please call 911.

For more information on storm preparedness for yourself and your family, please visit:

We will continue to update the Columbia homepage, www.columbia.edu.  The Columbia University Medical Center homepage, www.cumc.columbia.edu, will also be updated.

Sincerely,­

Joe Ienuso
Executive Vice President
Columbia University Facilities

Alma catching snowflakes