Winter Weather Preparedness

UNCSA is committed to the safety of students, faculty and staff and to maintaining essential campus services and operations during winter weather. Decisions about operating status follow the UNC System’s Adverse Weather and Emergency Events Policy and UNCSA’s Adverse Weather Regulation, including Condition 1 (Reduced Operations), Condition 2 (Suspended Operations) and Condition 3 (Closure).

Philosophy

UNCSA activates adverse weather plans as needed to support critical services, including access to dining, key academic and residential facilities, and performance/rehearsal spaces when operations resume.
Facilities Management and UNCSA Police monitor campus and surrounding conditions to advise leadership on whether to open on time, delay, suspend operations or close.
Facilities staff are prioritized for winter weather work, such as clearing walkways and entries; non-urgent maintenance requests may be delayed until after the event.

How UNCSA will communicate

UNCSA communicates changes to operating status (delay, reduced operations, suspended operations or closure) through UNCSA ALERT, the university’s emergency notification system.
Messages may be delivered via text, email, and phone, along with a red status bar on the UNCSA homepage, posts on UNCSA’s Facebook and X (Twitter) accounts, and updates on the campus status page and local TV outlets.
Students, faculty and staff should register or update their contact information in the UNCSA ALERT system and are encouraged to download and use the UNCSA Safety App (Rave Guardian) for additional safety features and notifications.

For faculty and staff

UNCSA follows the UNC System Adverse Weather and Emergency Events Policy and the UNCSA Adverse Weather Regulation 101, which outline expectations for reporting to work, essential personnel designations and leave/compensation during Condition 1, Condition 2 and Condition 3 events.
Supervisors should review these regulations with employees ahead of winter weather and clarify remote work expectations where appropriate, consistent with campus status and job responsibilities.
Employees should use their best judgment regarding travel safety and communicate with supervisors if conditions prevent safe travel to campus during adverse weather.

Academics, campus life and performances

In addition to institutional notifications, academic deans and program leaders may provide specific guidance about classes, rehearsals, performances and related requirements; students should monitor email and Canvas closely.
When adverse weather affects normal operations, campus may move to reduced or suspended operations, which can include canceling or relocating classes, rehearsals and performances or delaying start times.
Students should proactively download key course materials and syllabi, and notify instructors if weather or power outages affect their attendance, rehearsal participation or ability to submit assignments.

Campus dining

During most winter weather events, dining services will remain available for residential students, although hours and venue availability may be adjusted based on staffing and safety conditions. Hector Lopez Jr. Dining Hall is the primary meal location and may operate on modified hours or limited stations when the campus is in Reduced or Suspended Operations.
Retail dining locations (such as Studio Brew Café, the Hives, Freshens and Pickle Jar) may have reduced hours or may close temporarily during severe weather; students should check the Dining Services website or current UNCSA ALERT and campus status updates for that day’s operating hours.

Student health (students only)

UNCSA Student Health Services in the Wellness Center provides medical care for students and may adjust in‑person hours or offer telehealth appointments during winter weather, depending on campus operating conditions. Students can call 336‑770‑3288 for medical advice, appointments or information about modified services during adverse weather.
When the Wellness Center is closed, students should follow after‑hours guidance posted on the Health and Wellness website, which may include nurse advice lines, urgent care or emergency options in the community. Students experiencing a life‑threatening emergency should call 911 and then contact UNCSA Police if on campus.

Power outages

Portions of the Winston‑Salem area, including neighborhoods where students, faculty and staff live, may be served by above‑ground power lines that are more vulnerable to ice and heavy snow. Students living off campus should know how to report outages to Duke Energy and their landlord or property manager and should follow Duke Energy guidance regarding restoration estimates and safety.
Power or utilities issues in UNCSA‑owned facilities should be reported to Facilities Management or to UNCSA Police, following posted emergency and non‑emergency contact numbers on the Police & Public Safety and Facilities webpages.

How to stay prepared during winter weather

Personal safety

Limit time outdoors during severe cold, snow or ice, and recognize the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
Stay clear of icy trees, rooftops and power lines, and avoid walking near snow and ice removal equipment.
Watch for slick surfaces on sidewalks, stairs and parking areas, and remember that driving on ice is dangerous even with four‑wheel drive.
Monitor local forecasts via trusted outlets such as the National Weather Service and local television stations in the Triad region.
Follow all campus safety guidance shared via UNCSA ALERT, email and other official communications.

Personal preparedness

Dress in warm layers, including hats and gloves or mittens, if you must go outdoors.
Avoid unnecessary travel during winter storms; if you must travel, check road conditions frequently and adjust plans as conditions worsen.
Charge your phone, laptop and power banks in advance and keep flashlights or battery‑powered lamps with extra batteries in an easily accessible location.
Make sure you have sufficient food, water, prescription medications, over‑the‑counter remedies and basic first‑aid supplies for several days.
Include pets in your planning by ensuring they have adequate food, water, medications and a warm place to stay indoors.
Establish a communication plan with family and friends so you can let them know where you are and that you are safe if conditions worsen or you must relocate temporarily.

On‑campus residents

Stay connected with Residential Education and Housing through official channels such as email, posted notices and any floor‑ or building‑specific group communications your Resident Assistant uses.
Follow residence hall safety rules, including the prohibition on open flames and candles, especially during power outages; use flashlights or battery‑powered lights instead.
Keep windows closed to help maintain safe and comfortable indoor temperatures and reduce strain on heating systems.
Maintain a small supply of non‑perishable snacks and bottled or refillable water in your room in case you prefer not to walk to dining locations during the height of a storm.

Off‑campus residents

Keep windows and doors closed and take steps to protect pipes from freezing, such as leaving faucets on a slow drip during extreme cold, if recommended for your residence.
Know how to report power outages to Duke Energy and consult the Duke Energy outage map or alerts for updates on restoration timelines.
Notify your landlord or property manager promptly if you experience heating, power or weather‑related maintenance problems.
If you use a generator, always operate it outdoors away from doors and windows, never in wet conditions, and never refuel it while it is running; ensure your residence has a working carbon monoxide alarm.
Keep at least a three‑day supply of non‑perishable food and at least one gallon of water per person per day, along with extra blankets and safe indoor heat sources such as space heaters with automatic shutoff features.
Do not use ovens or stovetops for heat, and follow any local guidance about protecting outdoor plants or safely clearing snow and ice from entryways and walkways.

Prepare your vehicle

Fill your gas tank before winter weather begins so you have fuel in case of delays or detours.
Ensure your vehicle is winter‑ready by checking the battery, antifreeze and other fluids, tire tread, brakes, heater, defroster and windshield wipers.
Keep an emergency kit in your car with jumper cables, a phone charger, warm clothing and blankets, a flashlight with extra batteries, and non‑perishable snacks and water.