University monitoring weather conditions; Make preparations now

Clemson University officials continue to monitor forecasted winter weather and its potential impacts on main campus and other University locations and urge students, faculty and staff to prepare now. At this time, all CU facilities continue to operate on a normal schedule.

Current weather forecasts show the potential for snow beginning on Friday afternoon, possibly transitioning to a wintry mix Friday evening into early Saturday morning. Main campus and Upstate locations are forecast to receive 2-3 inches of snow with the potential for ice accumulation as well.

Clemson University's top priority is the safety of its students, faculty and staff. Make sure you are prepared for the impacts of winter weather now. Consider the following:

• Be Informed: Continue to monitor local weather forecasts and stay informed about the developments of the storm. Have several ways to get emergency information, including CU Alerts.
• Make a Plan: Create an emergency plan or review your current plan and ensure everyone in your household knows what to do. Communicate your plans with family and friends and check in with them frequently.
• Double Check Your Emergency Kit: Ensure you have essential items at home, at work and in your car. Create an emergency supply kit for your car that includes jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks. Keep a full tank of gas. For a list of suggested items, go to Ready.gov/kit.
• Prepare Your Home: Ensure you know how to turn off your home's water at the source in case a pipe bursts. Cover outside water spigots. Generators can be helpful when the power goes out. It is important to know how to use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and other hazards.
• Know Cold Weather Risks: Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

For more winter weather preparedness information, visit Ready.gov or the South Carolina Emergency Management Division website.

What to know for Clemson faculty, staff and student workers

For faculty, staff and student workers, your supervisor is your first point of contact regarding expectations for work during a hazardous weather event.

Employees should prepare to work remotely to the extent possible. This may vary for each employee based on their situation, their position and the weather. Employees with a state-approved telecommuting agreement/remote work plan are expected to work remotely to the extent possible.

Faculty should prepare for the possible use of remote learning, homework exercises, alternate schedules for research, etc. to prevent disruption of teaching and research.

While county closings have not yet been issued, a full list of closings is always available on the SCEMD county closings website.

Per South Carolina policy, when inclement weather occurs in South Carolina, state government offices and their employees/student workers will follow the same weather hazard decisions made by county government officials where the state offices are located.

Review HR's employee timekeeping and leave during hazardous weather guidance for more information.

Next Update

Further updates will be provided as necessary through CU Alerts, OURClemson and on the University's social media accounts.