Weather

Help us Protect Your Spaces Against Weather-Related Damage

October 06, 2023

The NYC Emergency Management Department advises New Yorkers to prepare for heavy rain and thunderstorms in NYC starting late on Friday, October 6 through the afternoon of Saturday, October 7. Flash flooding will be possible during this time. Periods of heavy rain may cause flooding in the city, including highways, streets, basements, and underpasses. NYC Emergency Management states that major, widespread impacts are not anticipated.

The city advises limiting travel and staying inside during periods of severe weather. If you must travel, exercise caution and check the service status of your transportation provider before beginning your travels.

PREPARE FOR THE STORM
Please help preserve buildings, valuables, and most importantly your own safety, by doing the following:

  • Securely close all windows, window shades, blinds, or curtains. This single step may be the most important way that you can protect your space from potentially damaging high winds and heavy rain.
  • Turn off computers, lights and other equipment before leaving. Electrical or valuable items should be moved off the floor and away from windows.
  • Close fume hoods when not in use and shut down non-essential lab equipment.
  • Make sure all critical equipment is connected to emergency power outlets.
  • Keep all freezers, refrigerators, and environmental room doors closed and limit access. Typically, this equipment will maintain temperature for approximately four (4) hours. Do not place dry ice or cryogenic materials in cold rooms, as they can create a hazardous, oxygen-deficient atmosphere.
  • Review any departmental contingency plans and emergency protocols related to equipment operation.
  • Prepare for potential power outages by charging cell phone batteries and gathering supplies. If you lose power and have disability or access needs or use Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance, please dial 911 immediately or Columbia Public Safety at 212-854-5555 (Morningside), 212-853-3333 (Manhattanville) or 212-305-7979 (CUIMC).

WHAT WE ARE DOING
Facilities staff will be walking the rooms of campus buildings, looking for conditions such as open windows or leaks. We also have additional staff on hand to provide a fast response to service requests and emergencies.

If you see an unsafe condition on campus including leaks, opened windows and doors, or other issues, please immediately contact Facilities. Our Service Centers are prepared to handle increased volume.

  • At Morningside/Manhattanville, call or text 212-854-2222 or email [email protected].
  • At the Medical Center, call 212-305-HELP (4357), option 3 or email [email protected].
  • For students living in the Morningside residence halls, the Hartley Hospitality Desk can be reached 24/7 at 212-854-2779.

To report an emergency on campus 24/7, call Public Safety at 212-854-5555 at Morningside, 212-853-3333 at Manhattanville, and 212-305-7979 at the Medical Center.

The Emergency Management Operations Team is monitoring the situation and will keep you updated by email and/or text as well as via the Columbia Preparedness site and the Medical Center Operations site should new information become available that impacts you or our campus. 

For the latest information on weather and transit, please visit: