[Faculty Handbook Category #1]
Inclement Weather
St. Olaf College is generally open for business year-round and rarely closes as a result of snow or other inclement weather situations. In the event of a snow/ice storm, or other inclement weather, the following procedures shall be in effect:
- The Director of Facilities shall report details of current campus conditions to the Vice President/CFO. The VP/CFO, in consultation with the Director of Facilities and the Provost, shall consider current campus conditions along with information from external sources (i.e., weather radar, road conditions, public school closings, etc.) and make a recommendation to the President (or designee) to hold classes as normal, consider a late start, cancel campus events, or close the college.
- The President (or designee) shall make the decision to hold classes as usual, implement a late start, cancel campus events, or close the college. Unless there is an announcement otherwise, faculty and staff should assume that the College is open and operating normally.
- The Chief Marketing Officer will convey Information regarding a late start, event cancellations, or college closing to the campus community via the Ole Alert system and an all-campus email. Public notifications will be made on KYMN radio, KDHL, and other media outlets as appropriate.
In general, employees who would like to leave early due to poor road conditions are advised to use their own discretion regarding their health and safety, but may be required to use accrued holiday, vacation, or compensation time to cover any absences. Certain employees may be required to work in spite of the weather to provide essential services or address an emergency situation. In all cases, employees should check with their supervisor regarding alternative arrangements for work assignments. Supervisors are advised to grant approval of all employee-requested leave in inclement weather situations.
- Winter road condition information is available online from the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
- Community-wide warnings for dangerous weather are sent automatically to cell phones and are provided by the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration through FEMA’s Wireless Emergency Alerts. Check with your cell phone or wireless provider regarding access to the Wireless Alert system. Alerts are sent automatically, are automatically targeted to the affected area, and rebroadcast until the emergency has passed and there is no longer a threat to the affected area. Wireless Emergency Alerts are free and there is no need to sign up. Click here for more information about Wireless Emergency Alerts.
- Other forms of notification include sirens, the Minnesota Emergency Alert System, and other local media. We encourage the use of a NOAA weather radio, local media, or mobile phone apps to keep tabs on severe weather.
Severe Weather Warnings
Tornado watches and warnings, or other strong storms are not uncommon in Minnesota.
- Know the location of the nearest emergency shelter for your facility.
- Check building postings for the location of emergency shelters.
A TORNADO WATCH means conditions are right for a tornado to develop. Continue with normal activities, but continue to monitor the situation.
A TORNADO WARNING means radar or weather spotters have identified a tornado. The emergency sirens will sound a steady tone for three minutes or longer if there is danger in the immediate area.
In the event of a warning, take the following actions:
- Seek immediate shelter (individuals with disabilities, follow the same procedures). When the warning siren sounds, seek shelter, preferably in a basement or below ground evacuation location. A steel formed or reinforced concrete building will provide some protection.
- In a multi-story building, seek shelter in an interior hallway or a lower floor.
- Stay away from outside walls, exterior doors, and glass windows or partitions. Do not open windows.
- Basements and interior hallways or rooms on lower floors offer good shelter.
- In vehicles, get out and seek shelter in a nearby well-built structure. If you cannot find a structure nearby, seek out a ditch or ravine, which can offer some protection. Lie face down, with hands covering your head.
- After the all clear, leave badly damaged buildings if it is safe to do so. Elevators may not work in damaged buildings; the electrical power may be out or there may be damage to the elevator equipment.
- If you are surrounded by debris, be aware that removing some of it can cause other debris or part of the building to collapse. If it is not safe or possible to leave the area, stay there until assisted out.
- Do not attempt to return to the building unless directed to do so by emergency personnel.
- Do not attempt to turn on or off any utilities or other equipment.
- Report all injuries and damage by calling 911 or Public Safety at extension 3666.
Updated February 2018