The Journal

Issue date: 8/30/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Max Gersh A powerful storm that swept through St. Louis Aug. 24 left some of the residence halls and apartments without power through the night. Students of East and West hall were asked to go elsewhere for the night. Building Four, on the right, along with Buildings Two and Five were also without power.

Hundreds of students were forced to evacuate two residence halls Aug. 24 after a severe storm knocked out power to parts of campus.

"We want to keep students' safety and health in mind at all times," said Jennifer Casady, the new residence hall director.

Both East and West halls and Buildings Two, Four and Five of the Webster Village Apartments were without power from approximately 4 p.m. Aug. 25 until 9 a.m. the Aug. 26. Though three of the six WVA buildings also lacked power, only students in the two affected residence halls were required to leave, Casady said.

"The apartments are a smaller complex and their doors face outside," Casady said, explaining that the hallways in East and West halls were very dark without lighting whereas the outside windows of the apartments could let in streetlight.

Junior Emily Kothe, an English/creative writing major and a resident assistant for 2 North in West Hall, said the lack of light would have posed a hazard.

"If there had been another emergency - for example a fire - it would have been dangerous," Kothe said.

Kothe said the evacuation went smoothly, though her residents were surprised.

"I was really happy with how cooperative my floor was," Kothe said.

In all, 343 students call East and West halls home, although many were already gone for the weekend, Casady said. Many students who lived in the area simply went home, with some taking a few of their friends and floormates with them. WVA and Loretto Hall residents also took in some the displaced students for the evening.

Casady said Residential Life managed to find a place to stay for all students, and was especially thankful for those who offered boarding for the students.

Res Life decided to evacuate East and West halls if the power was not back on by 8:15 p.m. and were periodically informing students of the possibility of an evacuation, Casady said.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools