Goucher College didn’t escape Hurricane Sandy unscathed, but damage remained relatively minimal for what it could have been, said Harold Tinsley, director of Facilities Management Services.
A post-storm assessment showed 16 trees down that resulted in damage to fencing, the gatehouse trellis, and some walkway light poles. General debris, along with some building leaks from blowing rain and drains stopped up by leaves were also addressed as crews cleaned up last week.
“The damage that we have experienced is significant, but it is actually much less than what I had anticipated,” Tinsley said. “I don’t have a cost for this cleanup but am guessing that it will be in the $25,000 to $35,000 range. … We will need to see if this storm cleanup effort qualifies for FEMA support.” The college was able to receive some federal support after Hurricane Irene caused extensive damage to the campus in 2011.
Though the college was closed Monday, October 29, and Tuesday, October 30, as the region remained paralyzed under high winds, driving rain, and flooding, Facilities Management personnel were on site to help monitor and address the storm’s effects on campus.
In residence halls, the community assistants all had hurricane preparedness meetings, according to Associate Director of Community Living Candace Doane. And while cooped up inside, students participated in a number of programs: Halloween movies, dance gatherings, painting, tea studying parties, and one group even built blanket forts.
College-wide planning started the week before the storm hit, with the offices of Community Living, Public Safety, and Facilities Management Services, and food service provider, Bon Appétit, prepping far in advance. Norman Zwagil, resident district manager of Bon Appétit, said accommodations were made so dining hall staff members could stick it out close to campus, and arrangements for dry ice, a refrigerated truck, and generators were made in the event of a power failure. One hundred cases of water were also on hand if water services were interrupted.
“This was a college-wide effort. Thanks to the efforts of a number of offices, we were well-prepared for the storm,” said Gail Edmonds, vice president and dean of students. “We were also fortunate that the effects of the storm were not as severe in our area. Our thoughts go out to those who were deeply impacted.”