Editor's note: This message was emailed Nov. 10 to Iowa State students and employees.
Whether you are eagerly anticipating or dreading the first snowflakes of the season, now is the time to start preparing for winter weather.
The National Weather Service has designated Nov. 10 as Winter Weather Awareness Day, which is why we want to share some important information and reminders about campus closures and announcements.
Severe weather and emergency closings
While extremely rare, there are occasions when the university will cancel classes or close due to weather conditions. University policy provides guidance and outlines expectations for employees related to cancellations and closings. If you are unfamiliar with the policy, we encourage you to access it through the policy library.
University leaders encourage employees and students to put safety first when deciding to travel to campus during the winter months. If you cannot make it to campus because of icy roads or blizzard conditions, please coordinate with your supervisor or instructor to arrange to work remotely, take leave or make up class material.
Weather announcements
The university will share information about cancellations and closings through a campus message sent to all Iowa State email addresses, on the university homepage and social media accounts @IowaStateU (Twitter and Facebook) and @IowaStateUNews (Twitter).
We encourage you to follow Iowa State University Police (@ISUPD) and Environmental Health and Safety (@IowaStateUEHS) on social media for weather-related information when dangerous wind chills, blizzard conditions or ice are in the forecast. Both departments work closely with the National Weather Service in Des Moines to provide updates for campus.
Environmental Health and Safety also has a winter weather webpage with tips for winter walking and driving as well as information on winterizing your car and emergency kits.
Weather alerts, notifications
If you are interested in receiving weather alerts, we encourage you to take advantage of the services provided by several local media outlets. This will allow you to customize notifications to your location. We'd also recommend bookmarking the following links:
- National Weather Service (Des Moines/central Iowa)
- 511 road conditions (statewide)
Thank you for doing your part to be prepared this winter season.
Sincerely,
Michael Newton, associate vice president of public safety and chief of police
Paul Richmond, assistant vice president of environmental health and safety
