Campuses prep to keep students safe

WILLIMANTIC, Conn. (WTNH) -- The state's college campuses are gearing up for the big storm. News 8 checked out Eastern Connecticut State University to see how they're preparing.

Gators were getting set up to deal with what could be a blizzard like blast from mother nature.

"Right now the guys are getting all the equipment put together to make sure that everything is working properly and everything actually started yesterday," said Ed Figiela, Plant Operations.

The plows big and small will take care of the sidewalks and roads on the Eastern Connecticut State University campus, manned by dozens of workers who plan to keep students safe no matter how much snow falls.

"I"m getting the best blankets I can find and bundling up in my room," said Junior Benson Joseph.

Joseph is counting on classes being canceled. The school will decide by 6 a.m. Friday if it will close for all or part of the day. In addition to the three thousand students in the 13 residence halls there are students and staff who have to drive to the Willimantic campus.

"Even with sludge and light snow there's a chance you can slip on some ice so if you got a lot of snow there's no way we should be walking out here," said Joseph.

"We have a list of where there are handicapped students that are living so that we know exactly where those students are and the routes that they might be taking to get to food service," said Nancy Tinker, Director of Facilities Management and Planning.

No matter what time they actually close the campus it will remain closed throughout the entire weekend because it is going to take these guys at least through then to get everything cleaned up.

"Empty parking lots would be perfect for us," said Figiela.

Part of the preps is making an educated guess on whether or not to cancel classes.