Hurricane Ian Resources and Information

Hurricane Ian Update graphic
September 30, 2022
Storm-related messages:

Flagler College to open in phases beginning Oct. 2

Saturday, Oct. 1, 1:45 p.m.

After assessing the campus grounds and buildings, Flagler College sustained minimal damage and will be opening in phases beginning tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 2. 

Sunday, Oct. 2 | All Clear 

Residence halls will open at 10 a.m. for students to return. All other campus buildings remain closed such as Bistro, POD, the library and the student center. 

The Dining Hall will open at 11 a.m. for brunch and resume normal dining hours. 

Monday, Oct. 3 

Campus returns to normal operations and classes resume.  

  • Academic buildings 7:30 a.m. 
  • Library 7:30 a.m. 
  • Learning Resource Center 8 a.m. 
  • Student Center 7 a.m. 
  • Counseling Center 8 a.m. 
  • Bistro 7 a.m. 
  • POD 10 a.m. 
  • Campus offices 8 a.m.

For students, staff and faculty still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, professors and supervisors are encouraged to be understanding and flexible. Below are resources and information to assist you during this time. 

Information for students: 

  • Counseling – The Counseling Center is available for virtual appointments to help students navigate through this challenging time. Individual appointments can be made by reaching out to the Counseling Center at counseling@flagler.edu.  
  • Financial Aid – The Financial Aid Office can work with students to update their financial aid information based on any changes related to the storm. To do this reach out to financialaid@flagler.edu to schedule an appointment you’re your counselor. 
  • Emergency Relief Fund – The emergency relief fund can help students who are in need of food, transportation, etc. due to the storm.  
  • Return to Campus – If you are unable to return to campus to resume classes on Monday, reach out to your professors to discuss your individual situation.  
  • Fall Break – The scheduled fall break will take place Oct. 10-11.  

Information for Employees: 

  • Emergency Relief Fund – The emergency relief fund can help employees who are in need of food, transportation, etc. due to the storm.  
  • Return to Campus – If you are unable to return to campus to resume work on Monday, reach out to your supervisor to discuss your individual situation.   

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The College will remain closed but will begin its assessment of the grounds and buildings as early as tomorrow.

Thursday, Sept. 29, 4:45 p.m.

Over the last 48 hours, the path of Hurricane Ian has taken it across the state of Florida leaving significant devastation along its path, particularly on the southwest coastline. As the College begins its process of assessing the campus to ensure it is safe and ready to resume normal operations, we know that our staff, faculty, students, and their families will be doing the same. As such, the time after a storm can be stressful, so the College has resources in place to support you if needed.  

Available Resources: 

  • Counseling – The Counseling Center is available for virtual appointments to help students navigate through this challenging time. Individual appointments can be made by reaching out to the Counseling Center at counseling@flagler.edu.  

     
    The Center will be holding a group session on Friday, Sept. 30 at 3 p.m. via Zoom.  You can access the session here -  https://flaglercollege.zoom.us/j/81092529565.

     
  • Financial Aid – The Financial Aid Office can work with students to update their financial aid information based on any changes related to the storm. To do this, reach out to financialaid@flagler.edu to schedule an appointment your counselor.  
     
  • Emergency Relief Fund – The emergency relief fund can help students and employees who are in need of food, transportation, etc. due to the storm.  

The College will remain closed but will begin its assessment of the grounds and buildings as early as tomorrow. However, only essential personnel are permitted on campus until College and government officials deem conditions safe enough for students and employees to return.  

Based on what we are seeing from the storm today, there is minimal damage to the campus. We are still anticipating an all-clear for the return to campus on Sunday, Oct. 2 and a return to classes on Monday, Oct. 3. But we will communicate updates as they become available.     

Flagler College is closed in anticipation of impacts from Hurricane Ian  

Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2:30 p.m.

As Hurricane Ian approaches the area, the Flagler College campus officially closed at noon today and residential students were safely evacuated in accordance with the St. Johns County Emergency Management Office order for a mandatory evacuation.

The College will remain closed until campus and government officials deem conditions safe enough for students and employees to return; with the exception of essential personnel. No one is allowed on the campus grounds or buildings. The all clear process includes a check for electrical shortages and standing water hazards due to wind and rain. We anticipate an all clear for the return to campus on Sunday, Oct. 2 and a return to classes on Monday, Oct. 3, but will communicate updates as they become available. 

What you need to know:   

  • Communications about the storm are sent via email and OmniLert text messages.
  • Classes are expected to resume on Monday, Oct. 3.  
  • Only essential personnel are allowed on campus during the mandatory evacuation.   
  • Students, faculty and staff will not be allowed to return to St. Augustine or the campus until authorized by county Emergency Management Officials, and College officials determine the campus is safe and normal operations have resumed. The College will communicate any possible changes to reopening as soon as information is available.   
  • The evacuation mandate includes Evacuation Zones A, which includes downtown St. Augustine and the Flagler College campus, as well as Zones B and F (south of County Road 214). The evacuation order was effective as of 6 a.m. this morning.

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St. Johns County orders evacuation in anticipation of impacts from Hurricane Ian

Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2:30 p.m.

The Flagler College campus will officially close at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 28 and will remain closed until campus and government officials deem conditions safe enough for students and employees to return. We will communicate updates on the return to campus and start of classes as they become available. 

Today, the St. Johns County Emergency Management Office issued an order for a mandatory evacuation for Evacuation Zones A, B and F (south of County Road 214), which includes downtown St. Augustine and the Flagler College campus, beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 6 a.m. in preparation for Hurricane Ian.

In order to allow students, staff and faculty to properly respond to the evacuation order, academic classes and events are canceled, effective immediately.

Residential students who have no alternative housing options will be transported to the general population shelter, Osceola Elementary School, at noon on Wednesday.

All students, faculty and staff who live in Evacuation Zones A, B and F should immediately make plans to evacuate and seek shelter from the storm, and county officials are encouraging residents in the evacuation area not to wait until the order takes effect. This evacuation also includes the beaches, Anastasia Island and other property on the waterfront.  

If you are uncertain of your zone, visit https://www.gis.sjcfl.us/MYEZ/MYEZ.html to check your address. 

What you need to know  

  • Classes have been cancelled through at least Monday, Oct. 3.  
  • Only essential personnel will be allowed to stay on campus during the mandatory evacuation.   
  • The Office of Residence Life will conduct room checks beginning at noon tomorrow. Any resident remaining on campus at that time will be escorted to the evacuation shelter. Additionally, a separate communication to residents will be sent from Res Life with more instructions and information for residents. 
  • Students, faculty and staff will not be allowed to return to St. Augustine or the campus until authorized by county Emergency Management Officials, and College officials determine the campus is safe and normal operations have resumed. The College will communicate any possible changes to reopening as soon as information is available.   
  • We understand changes in reopening the campus may complicate efforts to return. Any class absences due to the storm will be counted as excused absences, and these absences will not be counted against your overall class attendance.  

Monitor the latest updates and advisories on Hurricane Ian at the National Hurricane Center: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov  

More information  

  • A list of Frequently Asked Questions concerning Flagler College and Hurricane Ian can be found here: 
  • Hurricane forecasts and other information can be found at the National Hurricane Center: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov 
  • Local information on evacuation routes, shelters and other storm-related topics can be found at St. Johns County Emergency Management: https://www.sjcemergencymanagement.com/ 
  • Hurricane evacuation shelters will be opened by Emergency Management officials on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 6 a.m. If possible, evacuees should seek alternatives other than shelters outside of the evacuation area. 

Flagler students looking for a general population shelter should head to the below shelter option.  

  • Pedro Menendez High School, 600 SR-206 West  

Those who have special needs or need a pet-friendly shelter should head to the below shelters.  

  • Pacetti Bay Middle School, 245 Meadowlark Ln. (Special needs)    
  • Southwoods Elementary, 4750 State Road 206. (Pet-friendly)  

For more information on the county’s evacuation order and shelters, visit: www.sjcemergencymanagement.org  

If you are uncertain of your zone, visit https://floridadisaster.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c788060028cb43809a25744ead39c0d6 to check your address.   

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Flagler College won’t hold in-person classes starting Wednesday in preparation for Hurricane Ian; offices to go remote

Monday, Sept. 26, 3:30 p.m.

In anticipation of potential impacts from Hurricane Ian, Flagler College will not hold in-person classes on Wednesday morning through Friday, and offices will move to remote operations during this time. Campus events will also be canceled Wednesday through Friday. Students should expect communication from their faculty as to how the missed class time will be covered or made up, as instructors have broad discretion, and what is done may vary by course.

College residence halls and the dining hall will remain open, unless there is an evacuation ordered for St. Augustine. Students, however, are encouraged to return to their homes after classes on Tuesday, unless in an area that is expected to be impacted by the storm. Residential students will need to checkout before leaving, and Resident Advisors will distribute emergency cards to fill out beforehand. Students may leave cars in the Flagler College Parking Garage on Malaga Street, but must park above the first floor.

In addition, this weekend’s Family Weekend has been cancelled and refunds will be issued.

Flagler College is continuing to monitor the development of Hurricane Ian, which the National Hurricane Center has warned is likely to develop into a major hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico this week. College officials are coordinating with St. Johns County Emergency Management officials on plans and updates on the storm.

Most of central and northern Florida is currently within the 5-day forecast cone, including St. Augustine. The National Weather Service in Jacksonville advises to expect strong winds, coastal flooding, beach erosion and bands of heavy rainfall Wednesday through Friday. There is the potential for Tropical Storm force winds as early as Wednesday, but more likely late Wednesday Night into early Thursday.

We will continue to monitor the storm and notify you immediately of any updates or new information. Pay close attention to weather forecasts and advisories from the college over the next couple of days.

More information

  • At this time, Flagler is continuing with normal operations, and classes remain on schedule, through Tuesday.
  • Flagler expects to resume classes and normal operations on Monday, Oct. 3, unless otherwise notified.
  • The college has a hurricane plan that includes evacuation procedures in the event that it becomes necessary.

Please continue monitoring these Flagler College communication channels for future advisories:

Additional Resources

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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