Underground communication cables across UC Santa Barbara were damaged during the winter storms, UC Santa Barbara Information Technology and Design, Facilities & Safety Services informed the campus community in a mass email on Friday.

The email was sent by Associate Vice Chancellor for Information Technology (IT) and Chief Information Officer Josh Bright and Design, Facilities & Safety Services Associate Vice Chancellor Renée Bahl. 

“ITS is actively working to repair damage to underground communication cables that have disrupted some communication services to a limited number of campus buildings,” the email read. 

The rainfall damaged cables in the following buildings: Ellison Hall, Buchanan Hall, Kerr Hall, Robertson Gym, Arnhold Tennis Center, the Distribution & Logistical Services building and the Transportation & Parking Services building. Though all fire alarms and strobes are still properly working, the fire department will not automatically be alerted until repairs are completed. 

“Teams from Administrative Services have implemented additional fire watches for the affected buildings until the damage is repaired, and it is important for community members to report any campus alarms by calling 911,” the email read. 

The cable damage also reached some elevator phones and “blue light” emergency phones on campus. Community members are encouraged to use their personal cell phones to report emergencies in the meantime. 

The Nexus will continue to report on this topic as more information becomes available. 

Asumi Shuda

Asumi Shuda (they/them) is the Lead News Editor for the 2023-24 school year. Previously, Shuda was the Deputy News Editor, Community Outreach News Editor for the 2022-23 school year and the 2021-22 school year and an Assistant News Editor during the 2020-21 school year. They can be reached at asumishuda@dailynexus.com or news@dailynexus.com.