Dear Campus Community,
The College of Charleston Emergency Management Team continues to monitor the weather forecast for this week. As announced yesterday, the College will follow regular class and work schedules and modes on Tuesday, January 21, with in-person classes beginning at 8 a.m. and regular campus business hours beginning at 8:30 a.m. However, all campus-based academic and business operations will close at 4:00 p.m. In accordance with campus policy, students should seek guidance from their professors and teaching faculty regarding academic work for classes scheduled at 4:00 p.m. and after.
Because some local school districts have announced early dismissals for Tuesday afternoon, if employees with school-aged children need additional accommodation prior to the 4:00 p.m. campus closure, they are to work directly with their supervisors on those arrangements.
By no later than Tuesday afternoon, the College’s Emergency Management Team will update the campus community regarding class and work schedules for Wednesday, January 22. If the weather forces a closure of campus on Wednesday, the College will prioritize maintaining academic and work continuity in a remote/virtual environment to the extent possible. Residence halls will remain open, and dining and necessary support services will continue to be provided.
Only Liberty Fresh Food Company and The Market will remain open after 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. These two locations will be open until 7:00 p.m. Students can use multiple meal taps at The Market for items to stock up. Please stay tuned to Campus Dish for updates regarding hours of operation. Additional updates regarding dining facility hours going forward will be provided in the campus message tomorrow.
The Forecast
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch and Cold Weather Advisory for the Charleston area beginning Tuesday afternoon. The time period of greatest impacts remains late Tuesday afternoon through early Wednesday morning. There remains a risk of some freezing rain along the immediate coast Thursday evening. Snow accumulations are possible.
Cold Weather Tips
If you go outdoors:
- Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat and mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
- Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
- If traveling in a vehicle, consider taking a blanket, extra coat and boots in the event your vehicle becomes disabled.
- Make certain cell phone batteries are fully charged.
- Watch for patches of ice when walking and driving. Remember, bridges have a tendency to freeze before roadways.
On campus:
- Report leaking or ruptured pipes and other building issues on campus to Facilities Management using the Facilities Work Orders tile in MyPortal.
- For campus emergencies, contact College of Charleston Public Safety Department by calling 911. For non-emergencies, contact Public Safety at 843.953.5609.
If you live off campus:
- Ensure doors and windows are closed to prevent cold air from entering buildings and reaching water lines.
- Keep thermostats at a reasonable temperature and avoid any setting below 60 degrees.
- Open cabinet doors below sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
- Protect water pipes by allowing faucets to drip slowly.
- Bring pets inside.
Additional tips on preparing for and staying safe during periods of extreme cold can be found on the National Weather Service website.
Sincerely,
CofC Emergency Management Team