7/8/05 Contact: David Granger, 334/844-9986 (grangdm@auburn.edu)
Deedie Dowdle, 334/844-9999 (ddowdle@auburn.edu)

AUBURN UNIVERSITY TO CLOSE MONDAY DUE TO POTENTIAL OF SEVERE WEATHER ASSOCIATED WITH HURRICANE DENNIS

Camps cancelled; Red Cross to open Coliseum as emergency shelter at 10 a.m. on Sunday

AUBURN – Auburn University officials announced Friday that the University will close Monday, July 11, in anticipation of high winds, heavy rains and potential tornadoes associated with Hurricane Dennis.

Auburn University interim President Ed Richardson made the decision after gathering information from state and local emergency management officials, the National Weather Service and other public safety officials.

AU officials anticipate the University will reopen on Tuesday, July 12, but students should check the AU web site at www.auburn.edu and monitor state media for further developments. Students without Internet access may call 1-800-446-0369 for updates.

Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum, staffed by the local affiliate of the American Red Cross, will open as a shelter at 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 10. AU students living in mobile homes are strongly urged to take necessary precautions, secure their belongings and seek shelter in the Coliseum.

The American Red Cross Web site at http://www.redcross.org (click on “Disaster Safety” on left-hand side of page) provides information on what those using shelters should bring with them, as well as other useful preparedness information.

For road and highway conditions go to www.dot.state.al.us/closures .

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