Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:
A winter storm warning covering the Ball State University campus goes into effect this evening (Monday, Jan. 31) and continues through Wednesday evening. Most concerning is a combination of heavy ice followed by strong winds and very cold temperatures. Power outages of extended duration are possible.
The Crisis Management Team met this morning to ensure the campus is as prepared as possible for anticipated weather. The university will continue to monitor the weather and communicate closure information as necessary. If there are power outages in the surrounding neighborhoods, the university will set up emergency shelters on campus for Ball State students, faculty, and staff. If these shelters are needed, information will be posted on the Ball State website and distributed to local media.
The Ball State Crisis Management Team encourages you to make sure you:
• Know how to get information about campus. The campus community is notified of schedule changes and closures by text message (to those who have subscribed), e-mail, the homepage (www.bsu.edu), local radio, and Indianapolis TV stations. Sign up for emergency text messaging at www.bsu.edu/commcenter by clicking on "manage emergency notifications." In case of a power outage, be sure you have a battery powered radio you can use to listen for closings and other announcements.
• Have ample food/water supplies, a flashlight and batteries in case of power outage, and warm clothing.
• Ensure your phones and other battery-operated electronic equipment are fully charged.
• Fuel your car before the storm. It is a good idea to keep at least a half tank of gas in your car at all times during the winter months, to keep the fuel lines from freezing.
• Put extra blankets, clothes, food and water, ice scraper, and a shovel in your car.
• Heavy ice can cause tree limbs to fall over electrical power lines, resulting in disruption of electrical service to houses and apartments. Avoid any downed power lines and make wise decisions regarding your personal safety.
• Review preparedness information at the Indiana Department of Homeland Security website. http://www.in.gov/dhs/3311.htm
In addition, students who live off-campus should:
• Keep in mind that students must make their own decisions regarding personal safety. If a student feels he or she is in a special circumstance that precludes safely attending class, the student should contact the appropriate faculty members as far in advance as is practical to make special arrangements.
• Make sure you have a snow shovel and safety salt.
• Make sure you are familiar with your heating system and its safe operation.
• Consider what to use for emergency heat if the electricity goes out (fireplace, portable space heater, etc.) Pay particular attention to emergency heating safety. It is not safe to use stoves and ovens (designed for kitchen or camping) as indoor heating sources. Do not leave candles or burning lamps unattended. Keep flammable materials away from heating sources. http://www.in.gov/dhs/3550.htm
• Follow good fire-safety practices—keep fire extinguishers on hand and know how to use them.
• Keep extra blankets, warm clothes, and a flashlight readily available so they are easily located in case you have to find them in a power outage.
• Stock up on extra food and water before the storm.
• Learn how to shut off water valves, as a cold house can lead to frozen and burst pipes. Open cabinet doors, especially those on exterior walls, so that heat can surround pipes. Monitor water sources to ensure water is flowing. If temperatures get particularly low around pipes, allow water to run slowly to avoid freezing.
Employees
Should classes be cancelled and the university remain open, all employees are expected to work as directed by their supervisors.
Thank you for your attention. We will continue to monitor the situation, and communicate additional information as appropriate.
Alan Hargrave, Ed.D.
Chair, Crisis Management Team
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
and Director of Housing and Residence Life
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