Updates on Feb. 8-9 snowstorm ‘Nemo’

As the snowstorm dubbed Nemo heads into New England, Bates College is actively monitoring the storm and taking precautions as needed.

Updates as of 11:44 a.m. Friday, Feb. 8, 2013:

• Bates College administrative offices will close at noon Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, due to the expected significant snow accumulation and increasing winds later today that will create hazardous driving conditions. Only those employees designated in advance as essential should report for work through Saturday midnight.
• Classes will be held unless specifically canceled by the instructor. Students should check e-mail and/or Lyceum to determine if individual classes have been canceled by the instructor.
• Ladd Library remains open.
• Commons will serve meals as scheduled.
• The Den is closed after 11 a.m. Friday, reopens 4 p.m. Sunday. Milt’s is closed after 11 a.m. Friday, reopens 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Catering is closed at noon Friday, reopens Sunday, Feb. 10.
• Check events-related changes here.
• Check athletics-related changes here.
• A parking ban in Lewiston has been issued by the city through 6 a.m. Sunday.
• Check the Bates website for storm related updates.

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• Follow the current weather conditions in Lewiston during the storm via Weather Underground.
• Check the current forecast from the National Weather Service office in Gray, Maine.

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General storm information

1. Fire safety: If electricity fails due to high winds, after several hours the system that transmits information to the Central Fire Station may not fully function, but local alarms and detectors will continue to function. As a result, students should leave the building as usual and then call 911 if a fire alarm goes off, followed by calling at 786-6111. As always, candles should never be lit in a campus building.
2. Personal safety: During times of high winds, stay clear of tall trees, and stay away from any downed wires. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary. Be mindful of snowplows on area streets.
3. Campus safety: The electronic card access system has a backup battery system and should continue to function even if the power goes out.
4. Charging up: You should charge fully your electronic devices today.  Similarly, if the electricity goes out for an extended period of time, the hot water will not be available in many dorms and houses, so use it while you can.
5. Electricity supply: Buildings with back-up generator power include New Commons, the Village complex, 280 College St., Pettengill and Security. However, even these buildings will have a limited electricity supply. Elsewhere, the electricity outages, if they occur, will likely vary in different locations on and off-campus.