Purdue safety officials urge campus community to think safety, watch home page and local news as harsh weather looms
January 3, 2014
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – As central Indiana braces for bitterly cold temperatures early next week and the possibility of additional snow accumulation over the weekend, Purdue University safety officials are urging employees to keep safety in mind and prepare for the extreme weather.
"We just urge that as employees come to campus they take extra safety precautions, such as making sure their cell phones are charged, carrying blankets in their vehicles and wearing proper clothing to cover as much of the body, including the face and neck, as possible," said Carol Shelby, Purdue's senior director of environmental health and public safety. "In order to avoid the potential for frostbite, we also urge everyone to use the campus tunnels as much as possible and CityBus for those who live near campus and generally walk to their destinations."
Early forecasts call for temperatures on Monday (Jan. 6) to fall to below zero with a wind-chill as low as minus 35 degrees F. Forecasts also call for the potential for snow accumulation between Saturday (Jan. 4) and Sunday (Jan. 5).
Shelby urges those scheduled to be on campus Monday (Jan. 6) to watch local news for weather updates and the Purdue home page for any disruptions in traffic, parking or general campus activities.
Travel tips from the Indiana State Police include:
* Check the forecast
* Notify family and friends of your travel route
* Allow extra time to get to your destination
* Clear your vehicle of snow and ice before leaving
* Keep your gas tank full, if possible
* Keep your cell phone charged
* Have an emergency kit
The Indiana Department of Transportation offers updates on road conditions by phone at 800-261-7623 or on its Traffic Wise website.
Writer: Jim Bush, 765-494-2077, jsbush@purdue.edu
Source: Carol Shelby, 765-494-7504, cshelby@purdue.edu
