Stay Safe This Winter: Essential Tips for Weather-Ready Travel

The subsequent message was disseminated to OHIO students, faculty, and staff on the Athens Campus on Thursday, January 9.

The National Weather Service is predicting a combination of wintery weather and low temperatures that is expected to affect Athens County and the surrounding areas over the forthcoming 24-72 hours. As OHIO students, faculty, and staff prepare for their return to campus, we urge you to 1) prioritize safety and 2) stay informed about how hazardous weather conditions – at both your point of departure and arrival – might affect your travel arrangements.

Keep in mind: Spring Semester classes are officially set to commence on Monday, Jan. 13. Individuals are advised to take necessary precautions, including contemplating a delayed return to campus if faced with unfavorable travel conditions in the upcoming days.

OHIO staff who believe traveling to campus is unsafe should adhere to standard call-off procedures or reach out to their supervisor.

If you are already located on campus:

• Teams from Facilities Management are prepared to clear campus parking areas, paths, and walkways; however, the possibility of icy or slippery spots may persist.
• Housing and Residence Life personnel have been keeping track of individual room temperatures to ensure all residence hall heating systems are working correctly for Spring Move-In and the semester’s beginning; students are encouraged to communicate with their hall staff if they have any heating issues.
• Those who have concerns regarding other campus facilities should contact OHIO’s Facilities Management team at 740-593-2911.
• Discover more about the available campus dining options and operational hours at ohio.edu/food.
• If you are uncertain about the status of an upcoming campus or community event, please contact the event organizer(s) directly.

If you decide to travel to campus in the coming days:

• Plan your travel in advance and stay updated on all weather forecasts.
• Exercise extreme caution on roadways, sidewalks, and other surfaces.
• Ensure all vehicle windows and mirrors are clear of snow, ice, and salt spray to enhance visibility.
• Reduce your speed when approaching a snowplow or other snow removal machinery.
• Students returning to the Residence Halls after Sunday, January 12, are encouraged to contact housing@ohio.edu to arrange for necessary check-in or check-out procedures.

The University will persist in monitoring the anticipated weather conditions in the ensuing days. Should severe winter weather significantly affect University operations, either in the near future or at any point during the semester, we will inform all students, faculty, and staff through a combination of OHIO Alerts, text, and email.