Hurricane Helene Updates

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT CATHY COX - SATURDAY, SEPT. 28, 5:20 P.M.

Dear Students, 
 
I hope this message finds you safe and well after the impact of Hurricane Helene.
 
Classes at Georgia College & State University will resume on Monday, September 30, 2024. We understand that this has been a challenging time, and we are here to support you as you return to campus. If you are unable to travel back to campus by Monday due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, please contact your instructor directly; and, if able, check online resources such as GeorgiaVIEW and your Bobcats email for any updates or announcements from your instructors. 

EMERGENCY PHONE FOR GCSU PUBLIC SAFETY RESTORED - SATURDAY, SEPT. 28, 12:01 P.M.

The emergency phone line for Georgia College & State University Public Safety has been restored. Students in need of emergency services should call 478-445-4400 or dial 911. The GCSU Public Safety non-emergency number remains 478-445-4054.

UPDATE TO CAMPUS OPERATIONS AND EVENTS AT GCSU - FRIDAY, SEPT. 27, 4:04 P.M.

As conditions improve following the recent weather event, here is an update on services and events happening at Georgia College & State University.

The MAX is open until 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27 and will resume regular hours Saturday, Sept. 28. Campus shuttles will run until 7:30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday and until 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29.

Russell Library will reopen Sunday at 1 p.m.  

The Wellness & Recreation Center will reopen Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.

The GCSU Theatre production of “At the Wedding” continues Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in Russell Auditorium, with a matinee Sunday at 2 p.m. and an additional and final show on Monday, Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are still available. 

Bobcat Cross Country will host their home race Saturday at the Council Farm Course, with the women’s start at 10:30 a.m. and the men’s start set for 11:30 a.m.

Bobcat Soccer will take on Flagler College on Sunday at 11 a.m. at Bobcat Field on West Campus.

Bobcat Volleyball also faces Flagler on Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Centennial Center. 

A reminder that should you need assistance to contact GCSU Public Safety. Their non-emergency number is 478-445-4054. If you have an emergency, call 478-445-8759 or dial 911. The safety of our university community is of utmost importance, and all Bobcats should remain weather aware for issues related to localized flooding and scattered power outages in the area.

GC ALERT INFORMATION - FRIDAY, SEPT. 27, 9:00 A.M.

Please dial 478-445-8759 to reach GCSU DPS. Phone lines are down, and you will need to use this alternate number to reach DPS. 911 remains operational.

GCSU DPS will advise when normal phone lines are up and operational.

DINING OPERATIONS UPDATE FOR THURSDAY EVENING SEPT. 26 - THURSDAY, SEPT. 26, 7:10 P.M.

Baldwin County has declared a state of emergency tonight which asks everyone except first responders to stay off the roads as the storm arrives. Accordingly, the MAX will close at 7:30 p.m. Tonight.  Boxed meals will be available at the West Campus Center for residents of The Village until 9 p.m. tonight.

Please stay indoors tonight and refer to earlier messages on this site regarding tips for staying safe. Contact GCSU Department of Public Safety if you have an emergency at 478-445-4400 or dial 911. GCSU Public Safety’s non-emergency number is 478-445-4054

STATE OF EMERGENCY ISSUED FOR BALDWIN COUNTY (FROM BALDWIN COUNTY) - THURSDAY, SEPT. 26, 4:00 P.M.

A State of Emergency has been declared for Baldwin County.

“Baldwin County will have sustained winds 30-40 mph and wind gust over 70MPH. For your safety please stay off the roads after dark.

Emergency vehicles will not be able to operate if winds reach 40MPH. For the safety of yourself and our First responders please do not leave your home after dark.

In preparation for the storm Baldwin County Roads Department (BCRD) has cleared obstructions from ditches and culverts to help prevent flooding. BCRD has ensured they have enough cones and supplies to block/close roads if needed.

Baldwin County Fire Department (BCFD) and Baldwin SO will have additional staff overnight to assist where needed. BCFD and SO has ensured that all saws and generators are in good working order and full of fuel.

Atrium EMS will staff 2 additional units overnight to aid in emergences.

Baldwin County Emergency Management will be working all night to address safety issues as they arise.

Call 911 if a tree or powerline is down in the roadway.

Again, Please stay off the roadways after dark for your safety and the safety the first responders.”

DINING HALL, PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION - THURSDAY, SEPT. 26, 4:00 P.M.

On FRIDAY, Sept. 27: The MAX will be open from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. and shuttle service will run from 10:45 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Remember to check your Bobcats email, the Passio GO! app and the GCSU Instagram (@georgiacollege) for any updates in case of power outages or other changes. (Keep your devices and backup batteries charged! See tips posted below.)

HURRICANE SAFETY REMINDERS FROM GCSU DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY - THURSDAY, SEPT. 26, 2:39 P.M.

GCSU Department of Public Safety encourages students, faculty and staff to stay weather aware as Hurricane Helene arrives in the Middle Georgia area. GCSU DPS compiled this list of reminders to keep our Bobcat family safe during the storm:

• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather updates through reliable sources like weather apps, local TV and radio or emergency alerts.
• Charge Devices: Ensure your cell phone and other essential devices are fully charged before the storm hits. Keep a portable charger handy.
• Flashlights: Have flashlights ready and easily accessible. Make sure they have fresh batteries.
• GCSU DPS: Know that Georgia College & State University Department of Public Safety (GCSU DPS) is on duty and available 24/7. Non-emergency: 478-445-4054. For emergencies dial 911 or 478-445-4400.
• GC Alert and RAVE Guardian App: Sign Up, Download, and Update your information with our alert systems.
• Create an Emergency Kit: Include essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies and any necessary medications.
• Have a Plan: Know your emergency procedures and have a personal plan for where to go and what to do during severe weather, especially where to shelter in your residence hall or apartment.
• Avoid Driving: If possible, avoid driving during severe weather. If you must drive, go slowly, keep headlights on and avoid flooded roads. DO NOT drive through standing water.
• Seek Shelter: During high winds or tornado warnings, move to a small, windowless interior room on the lowest level of your building.
• Stay Indoors: During heavy rain, high winds or lightning, stay indoors and away from windows. Never go near downed power lines on foot or in your vehicle.
• Power Outages: Have a backup plan for power outages, such as battery-operated devices and extra batteries. Avoid using candles due to fire risk.
• Avoid Standing Water: Do not walk or drive through standing water, as it can be deeper than it appears and may contain hazards.
• Flash Floods: Move to higher ground immediately if there is a flash flood warning. Do not attempt to cross flooded areas.
• Communicate: Keep in touch with family and friends to let them know you are safe. Have a list of emergency contacts available.

Hurricane Helene has this afternoon been upgraded to a Category 3 Hurricane which is expected to make landfall early this evening in the Florida panhandle and move rapidly through southwest Georgia into middle Georgia overnight. The National Weather Service calls this one of the largest storms ever, with a width of damaging winds and record rain levels some 400 miles in width, which means the most significant impact will reach our area long before the eye of the storm passes through middle Georgia, which is predicted to occur around 3 a.m. 

Accordingly, the Milledgeville area is predicted to receive rainfall totaling 3-6 inches with some local areas receiving up to 8 inches, which will likely produce flash flooding and flooded roads that will be difficult to see after dark. High winds will come with the rapid movement of the storm with wind gusts up to 70-80 miles per hour. This means loose objects, outdoor furniture, and debris can and will be flying around and can hit vehicles and individuals who are walking outside. Tornado watches and warnings are a possibility. Tonight is a night where you are safer inside!

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION - WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25, 4:19 P.M.

The following information is for shuttle service operations for Thursday, September 26.

Two shuttles will serve West Campus, Wells Hall, MSU and Adams Hall on Thursday, September 26, 2024. 

Shuttles will operate between 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

There will be no Late-Night Shuttle this week.

DINING HALL INFORMATION - WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25, 4:16 P.M.

The Max

The Max will have normal operation hours for Thursday, September 26

Breakfast: 7:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Lunch: 11 A.M. - 2 p.m.

Light Lunch: 2:15 - 4:15 p.m.

Dinner: 4:30 - 8:30 p.m.

*Changes* - Removal of late night dinner due to hazardous conditions.

 
Chick-Fil-A

Chick-Fil-A is closed Thursday and Friday. Chick-Fil-A is tentatively scheduled to reopen on Saturday.

Einsteins, Books and Brew, All other retail locations

All retail Locations closed Thursday, Friday and weekend.  

Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut to reopen on Sunday - 5 p.m. - 12 a.m.

Students living on West Campus are encouraged to use the shuttle to travel to The Max while weather permits. GCSU plans to transport food over to West Campus once conditions arise and will open the West Campus center for students. 

An update will be provided here as the need arises.

MESSAGE TO STUDENTS IN RESIDENCE HALLS - WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25, 3:30 P.M.

As we prepare for Hurricane Helene, we would like to know which residence hall students intend to stay on campus and which days they will be on campus.  This will help our campus in providing essential service to students that intend to stay through the storm.  
 
Complete the form  

Thank you for your assistance.

University Housing and Residence Life

ORIGINAL MESSAGE - WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25, 2:45 P.M.

Due to weather and road conditions that are predicted as a result of Hurricane Helene, Georgia College & State University will suspend all classes and programming activities for Thursday, September 26 and Friday, September 27. Normal business operations will cease and only essential personnel will report to work. 

The safety of our students, faculty, and staff remains our top priority. We encourage everyone to tune into local TV and radio stations for updates on weather and potential safety of your destination when deciding to shelter in place or travel to another location. Those who intend to leave campus should add travel time as traffic will be excessive. 

Please note that dining and transportation operations will continue. The MAX will operate following normal business hours. Students will be notified of any changes should there be a power outage. If operational changes are required, West Campus residents will be directly contacted by University Housing regarding food services. For updated transportation information students are encouraged to monitor the Passio GO! Mobile app. 

Activities planned for Family Weekend will be rescheduled. Bobcat Athletics competition will resume Saturday. 

Please monitor Front Page and our GCSU website for any updates to this emerging situation. 

We encourage all Bobcats to be weather aware. Please stay connected to the university’s official communications via email, social media, and GC Alert.