Staff Ed: We stand united in the wake of Irma and Harvey

By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS STAFF

Thousands have been affected by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey, including numerous individuals in the UMW community. For those in the UMW community who have family and friends living in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Antigua, Barbuda, Saint Martin, Puerto Rico, Haiti, the Virgin Islands or South Carolina, the Blue & Gray Staff recognizes how unsettling these times must be but we stand united in the prospect that the livelihoods of our families will be restored.

The UMW Office of Emergency Management and Safety has prepared for any potential impact that our campus might sustain. As of now, Hurricane Irma has shifted westward and therefore the force is expected to be low. Currently, sources like the New York Times say that Hurricane Irma has downgraded to a tropical depression meaning that the worst has passed. The Emergency Operations team will remain on stand-by, according to an e-mail sent out by Emergency Management.

Both hurricanes have generated record breaking repercussions and have left homes devastated. This month has made a painful impression on our community and many others as the devastation hit during the sixteenth commemoration of 9/11. We encourage everyone to reach out to their families and provide support during these hardships.

Though the full extent of the damage in Florida is not yet known, we take comfort in knowing that authorities are doing as much as they can to provide food, water and shelter to those in need.

The Talley Center is a resource that students in need of emotional support can benefit from, especially in the wake of this month’s tragedies. UMW also offers on-campus shelter to off-campus students in case of emergency. As said by Laurence Olivier, “Living is strife and torment, disappointment and love, golden sunset and black storms,” but we keep on going and hold our heads up high in unity.