Second and Final Electric Shutdown in Towers 2 and 3, 8/7, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

With the completion of the first electric shutdowns, please note there will be a second and final electric shutdown in Towers 2 and 3 that will take place on Thursday, August 7, 2014, from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., pending final confirmation from Con Edison.

Electric service, including wi-fi internet access, will be affected in all apartments and offices located in Towers 2 and 3. This shutdown will also affect water and air conditioning services in Towers 1, 2, and 3, and hot water service in Bard Hall. Please note water service in apartments and offices located in Towers 1, 2, and 3 will be very limited and/or turn off.

Before the Electric Service Disruption

If your apartment or office is located in Towers 2 or 3, please take a few moments to complete the following steps prior to 9 a.m. on Thursday, August 7:

  • Save all files and important documents.
  • Plan to take baths or showers the night before the shutdown or early in the morning on the day of the shutdown.
  • If possible, fill at least one bottle for drinking and cooking water; you may also fill a bucket, sink, or tub with enough water to be used for hand and face washing.
  • Completely turn off your computers and laptops.
  • Turn off all electronic devices.
  • Turn off all faucets and leave them in the closed position.

If your apartment or office is located in Tower 1, please take a few moments to complete the following steps prior to 9 a.m. on Thursday, August 7:

  • Plan to take baths or showers the night before the shutdown or early in the morning on the day of the shutdown.
  • If possible, fill at least one bottle for drinking and cooking water; you may also fill a bucket, sink, or tub with enough water to be used for hand and face washing.
  • Turn off all faucets and leave them in the closed position.

During the Electric Service Disruption

  • All apartments and offices in Towers 2 and 3 will be affected by the electric shutdown; hallway lighting, stairwell lighting, and elevator service, however, will not be affected.
  • All water in all apartments and offices located in Towers 1, 2, and 3 will be limited and/or turn off.
  • Hot water in all aparatments and offices in Bard Hall will be affected.
  • During this time, the manual fire alarms located in the hallways of Towers 2 and 3 will be out of service. The on-campus fire marshal will be leading patrols in Towers 2 and 3 throughout the duration of the temporary electrical service disruption. In case of a fire emergency, call Public Safety, 305-7979, or 911.

Representatives from the Office of Housing Services are working with the MGEB Project Team to minimize disruptions to building occupants, and are providing the following options during the August 7 electric shutdown:

  • Information stations will be available from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. in the Office of Housing Services, Tower 2 breezeway and the Tower 3 lobby.
  • Charging stations will be available in the Tower 3 lobby as well as in the Bard Hall lobby.
  • Movie screenings, refreshments, and a cooling station will be available throughout the day in the Bard Athletic Center.

After the Electric Service Disruption

  • Once power is restored, please use caution when turning on any electronic devices.
  • Once power is restored, it may take up to one hour (60 minutes) for the water to warm up and return to normal operations throughout all buildings. This also includes air conditioning service.
  • Once water service is fully restored, please allow your faucets to run for 3-4 minutes to ensure constant flow and pressure. Water may appear brown at first, but will turn clear as it continues to run.

If you continue to experience any issues with electricity or water following the August 7 electric shutdown, please contact the Office of Housing Services at 305-HELP (4357), option 2 or cumc.housing@columbia.edu.

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