Grice Marine Lab was prepared for the worst and made it through Hurricane Irma safely.
The College shut down at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, 9/8/17 and students were evacuated from campus (including Grice dorms) by 6:00 p.m.
What exactly does “prepared” mean for GML?
This is some of the preparations that were started earlier in the week and completed Friday morning:
- Data backups completed
- Files secured
- All boats secured on higher ground and truck moved to a secure location
- All outdoor equipment and materials secured
- Hurricane shutters installed on East side of building
- All non-essential office and lab computers and electrical equipment unplugged, moved away from windows and off floors and covered with plastic
- Equipment in classrooms, computer lab and conference room unplugged, covered with plastic and secured
- Collections Room secured
- Refrigerators, freezers and equipment holding live animals are verified on emergency power
The storm hit the Lowcountry in earnest on Monday, 9/11/17, bringing wind, rain, and storm surge. The afternoon and early evening brought tornado watches and warnings. Much of Fort Johnson was flooded and lost power, but the GML building did not sustain any damage.
The grounds, specifically the Grice Green Teaching Gardens, will need some care after being flooded in salt water for hours.
The Grice Green Teaching Gardens Facebook page has before-and-after photos of the area as well as explanations of the effects on various plants.
Classes are in session today and we are happy to welcome back students, faculty, and staff!