Weather alert: Ruskin Campus to shift to remote learning Thursday, Friday

Posted: September 24, 2024

Dear Gannon Community,

We are continuing to track the progress of tropical storm Helene, which is expected to strengthen into a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico by Wednesday. Most forecast models suggest a hurricane landfall in Florida or the Gulf Coast by Thursday night with strong, life-threatening storm surge, high winds and heavy rain.

As of now, our plan is to shift to remote learning Thursday, Sept. 26, and Friday, Sept. 27.

We will be in-person for classes tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 25.

This is our current plan. As we closely monitor and receive more precise information on the storm or if the county issues any emergency response protocols, we may adjust plans accordingly -- so please stay attentive to our regular updates. We will offer other updates throughout the week and into the weekend as needed.

Your safety is our top priority.

SAFETY RESOURCES

We highly encourage you use a weather app on your phone for emergency notifications. Please use the resources below to remain safe throughout the storm and continue to read all Gannon University communications.

Local Resources

1. Become familiar with local evacuation zones and county emergency alerts
2. Hillsborough County Emergency Alerts - https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/residents/public-safety/emergency-management/hcfl-alert
3. NOAA - https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
4. Florida 511 - Traffic Alerts - https://fl511.com/

OTHER EMERGENCY RESOURCES:

Familiarize yourself with the university’s protocols in the Emergency Response Manual-Ruskin Campus.

Ensure you have the following important contact numbers readily available to report any emergencies promptly to the appropriate authorities.

• Hillsborough County Sheriff

813-247-8000

• Tampa Police Department

813-276-3704

• Gannon Police and Safety Emergency

814-871-7777

Visit regional and national weather sources for safety tips and updates.

• Hillsborough County

https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/stay-safe/storm

• National Hurricane Center

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php

• American Red Cross

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane.html

We encourage you to visit these websites and download the applications and emergency alerts that seem appropriate to you.

• Hillsborough County Emergency Alerts

https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/residents/public-safety/emergency-management/hcfl-alert

• Florida 511 - Traffic Alerts

https://fl511.com/

• Load a weather app on your cellphone and have it set up to issue emergency alerts.

Emergency Alerts

All Gannon students and employees automatically receive Emergency Alerts via email and can personalize how they receive these alerts, including opting in to text and push notifications delivered right to your phone. This service is provided by the university free-of-charge, and it is also available for nearby neighbors and community organizations. To customize your preferences, visit Gannon’s Everbridge Portal or download the Everbridge mobile app.