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Campus Operations Normal, Campus Phone System Operational

By Emergency Management Executive Team
Last updated August 16, 2024

Updated 8/16/2024 1:30 p.m.

Eckerd Community,

Phone services have been restored to the campus.

During Tropical Storm Debby, power was lost to the College’s network system. Once ITS was able to assess the situation, they found that the power supply equipment for the campus Phone Switch was struck by lightning. After the storm there were delays replacing the damaged equipment and scheduling technicians to repair the phone system power supply. ITS worked as quickly as possible to address this issue and get the College system back online. Thank you for your patience during this time.

If you continue to have problems with a campus line after this time, please email itshelp@eckerd.edu.

 

Updated 8/8/2024 11:45 a.m.

ITS has been working diligently to get phones back online. At this time, we have a limited number of offices that can be reached by phone. Please note that you will not be able to leave voicemail messages for these lines.

You may continue to email College departments or individuals directly. Emails are monitored very closely during normal business hours to assist with your needs:

In case of an emergency or if you need to reach Campus Safety, please call the main line at 727.864.8260 or special mobile number at 727.288.6790.

 

Updated 8/6/2024 4:40 p.m.

The campus telephone system remains offline due to damage received during Tropical Storm Debby. ITS is working with our vendor to procure replacement equipment as quickly as possible but there is no estimated time of repair. All other campus network services are operational.

During this outage, please email College departments or individuals directly. Emails are monitored very closely during normal business hours to assist with your needs:

In case of an emergency or if you need to reach Campus Safety, please call their special mobile number 727-288-6790.

 

Updated 8/5/2024 7:30 p.m.

Dear Eckerd Community,

Power has been restored to campus. ITS has been working throughout the evening to restore network capabilities to campus. At this time, internet services are back online however telephones are still down.

As a reminder, if you need to reach Campus Safety please call their special mobile number 727-288-6790.

College business operations will resume as normal tomorrow with limited telephone services. 

As you return to campus, please remember to use caution. Debris removal on walkways and roads is ongoing; avoid areas with caution tape or otherwise marked as hazards.

Damage Reports

If employees encounter damage in their workspaces, they should take photos and submit a damage report. If students find damage in residence halls, they are asked to report issues with this form.

 

Updated 8/5/2024 11 a.m.

Dear Eckerd Community,

Facilities has completed their preliminary assessment of campus. Limited power in Armacost Library has disabled network capabilities across campus, including telephone and internet service. If you need to reach Campus Safety, please call their special mobile number 727-288-6790.

At this time, College business operations are closed for the rest of the day; however, campus is open.  We expect to resume business as usual tomorrow morning.

If on campus, please use caution:

  • Debris removal on walkways and roads is ongoing; avoid areas with caution tape or otherwise marked as hazards.
  • There is currently limited power in Brown, Lindsey, Edmundson and Fox halls and Armacost Library.
  • Please avoid driving or walking through standing water on the roadway, including a significant amount of water between the BES building and the Kappa residence complex.

Student Check-In

Check-in for students approved as early arrivals will take place in Franklin Templeton 208 from 12 – 4 p.m. today.

Employees

Employees should report hours on timesheets and leave report as Inclement Weather.

Damage Reports

If faculty and staff encounter damage in their workspaces, they should take photos and report any damages using this form. If students find damage in residence hall rooms, please report issues by filling out this form.

Any changes will be communicated via the College’s emergency notification system and posted on eckerd.edu/tropical.

 

Updated 8/5/2014 7:30 a.m.

Dear Eckerd Community,

Faculty and staff are asked to delay their return to campus until noon today to give Campus Safety and Facilities time to assess and respond to minor disruptions to campus caused by Tropical Storm Debby. There have been no major damages to campus. College operations will resume as normal at noon today.

Facilities is currently working to resolve issues. Until work is complete, please use caution in the following areas:

  • Please be careful as you move around as debris removal on walkways and roads is ongoing; avoid areas with caution tape or otherwise marked as hazards.
  • There is currently no power in the Brown, Lindsey, Edmundson and Fox halls. Staff reporting to campus to work in those buildings may use classroom spaces in Franklin Templeton until Duke Energy restores service.
  • Please avoid driving or walking through standing water on the roadway, including a significant amount of water between the BES building and the Kappa residence complex.

If you need to reach Campus Safety until further notice, please call 727-288-6790.

Student Check-In

Check-in for students approved as early arrivals will begin at 12 noon in Franklin Templeton 208.

Employees

  • Employees who deem travel to campus to be unsafe today should communicate with their supervisors to determine whether working from home is possible. Note, the Sunshine Skyway bridge is closed due to high winds. Continue to monitor bridge closures at fl511.com.
  • If you are unable to work on campus or from home for storm-related reasons, the time should be reported on your timesheet or leave report as vacation or personal leave.

Damage Reports

If faculty and staff encounter damage in their workspaces, they should take photos, and report any damages using this form. If students find damage in residence hall rooms, please report issues by filling out this form.

Support Services

Those who would like support from the Eckerd College Counseling Center, Outreach Services and the Center for Spiritual Life can learn more about accessing services.

The College’s Emergency Management Executive Team thanks you for your continued diligence and cooperation. Any changes will be communicated via the College’s emergency notification system and posted on eckerd.edu/tropical.

 

Updated 8/4/2024 1 p.m.

Dear Eckerd Community,

College operations remain normal. The Emergency Management Executive Team continues to monitor Tropical Storm Debby. Forecasters predict potential high winds, heavy rains, isolated tornadoes and dangerous marine conditions that may create power outages and flooding throughout the region.

Please do not drive on flooded roads. Keep your phone charged to receive tornado watches and warnings and prepare to take shelter in an interior room with no windows should a tornado warning be issued.

As a part of the emergency notification system, the College uses an outdoor siren to alert individuals on campus to seek shelter from imminent danger such as a tornado. The siren is not designed to be heard inside buildings. The siren is always accompanied by a text message and an email with details.

Students

  • Be careful as you traverse campus. Move indoors immediately if you hear the siren.
  • On campus students, Campus Safety and Residence Advisors are available to answer additional questions. The phone number for Campus Safety is 727-864-8260.
  • For those who will be traveling to campus to move in this week, Student Life will provide further guidance after the storm passes through our area. If you have specific questions about traveling to campus, please email tropicalassistance@eckerd.edu.

Employees

  • Employees who deem travel to campus to be unsafe Monday should communicate with their supervisors to determine whether working from home is possible. Note, the Sunshine Skyway bridge may close due to high winds. Monitor bridge closures at fl511.com.
  • If you are unable to work on campus or from home for storm-related reasons, the time should be reported on your timesheet or leave report as vacation or personal leave.

Stay informed by checking Pinellas County Emergency Information and the National Hurricane Center for regular storm updates.

Any updates or changes to College operations will be communicated via the Emergency Notification System and posted on eckerd.edu/tropical.

 

Updated 8/3/24 2 p.m.

Dear Eckerd Community,

The Eckerd College Emergency Management Team is monitoring National Weather Service forecasts for Tropical Depression Four. College operations remain normal. The College does not close the residence halls for tropical storm conditions. Students approved to move in over the weekend and early next week should continue to do so as planned.

Regardless of the path or intensity of the storm, heavy rainfall is expected through the weekend. High wind and heavy rain have the potential to create power outages throughout the region. Everyone is reminded to keep their electronics charged in case of power outages. Students moving into residence complexes should bring nonperishable foods to avoid traversing campus in severe weather.

Stay informed by checking the National Hurricane Center for regular updates.

As we learn more about the storm, changes to College operations may be needed. Any updates or changes to College operations will be communicated via the Emergency Notification System and posted on eckerd.edu/tropical.

 

Updated 8/2/24 2p.m.

Dear Eckerd Community,

The Eckerd College Emergency Management Team is monitoring National Weather Service forecasts for Tropical Cyclone Four. College operations remain normal. The College does not close the residence halls for tropical storm conditions. Students approved to move in over the weekend and early next week should continue to do so as planned.

Regardless of the path or intensity of the storm, heavy rainfall is expected Saturday through Sunday. High wind and heavy rain have the potential to create power outages throughout the region. Everyone is reminded to keep their electronics charged in case of power outages.

Stay informed by checking the National Hurricane Center for regular updates. Any updates or changes to College operations will be communicated via the Emergency Notification System and posted on eckerd.edu/tropical.

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