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Power Outages Affect Campus
By Eugenia Hannon ‘10
STAFF WRITER

Electricity is a necessity in this modern world, and it is especially important to college students, whose lives revolve around technology. It is then not surprising that the recent power outages here at Sweet Briar caused a lot of trouble, not only because most students were left in the dark, but also because no one had any idea when the power would go on again.

The Sweet Briar Internet servers were down, as well as all of the electricity in every building except Protho and Meta Glass, which are connected to a separate generator. Campus security started helping confused students right away; by taking all phone calls and handing out glow sticks. They also took extra safety measures, by checking campus grounds more than usual.

So what happened? Kelly Espy, Director of Residence Life and Housing, explained, “The last power outage we had was strange because it was two-fold. On Saturday, it affected parts of Amherst too and it was due to the "power box or power house" and the bad wind storm. On Sunday, an underground line actually snapped so Appalachian power actually had to dig in the woods to fix this problem- which is why it took longer than expected.”

Sweet Briar students should also keep in mind that the power outage had nothing to do with anything on campus, so our hardworking staff is not to blame. Steve Bailey, Director of Physical Plant, pointed this out, saying “Because the down line was not on Sweet Briar property American Electric Power (AEP) performed the repairs.”

Students can be rest assured, too, that Sweet Briar is prepared for any extended periods without power. Since there is a generator in Protho, Chief Willie Neal promises that during any prolonged power outages “…Food Services will be operational and according to Food Services Director, Kevin Phelps, he has enough food in an emergency that can last for about 7 days or more.”

Students should watch for periods of heavy wind or ice, since these weather conditions can cause long, difficult power outages. A flashlight is a very good thing to have in your dorm room at all times, especially if you do not live in Meta Glass. Also, students should feel free to convene in Prothro during power outages, to talk with friends, play board games or even do homework! The generator is in there to keep students safe and equipped to do their work.

I talked to three upperclasswomen about the power outage, and they had mixed feelings: “I walked into the basement of Randolph and it was pitch black. I was like, what’s going on?” says Katie Beth Ryan, a junior. “I went over to Meta Glass to shower because there was no hot water [in Randolph].”

Indeed, the power outage was an annoyance for some, but Emily Olsen '07, and Jessica Baker '09, both tried to make light of the situation. “We played board games and had a good time,” says Olson. Baker and her friends “bought illegal candles and had a Halloween party.”

Although living just a few days without hot water or access to the Internet can be a nightmare, students should be pleased that Campus Security, Residence Life and Physical Plant are all looking out for their needs. The next time there is a power outage, hopefully everyone will have a flashlight, some homework and an excellent game of monopoly in Prothro.