Cold weather safety & assistance

Updated Wednesday 4:00 p.m.

The wind chill factor has already reached dangerously low levels today. The forecast is for both the actual air temps and wind chills to be at their worst at mid-morning Thursday. For that reason, classes are now canceled for Thursday, January 31.

For Thursday, buses will again circle the loop road from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Watch for added activities to be announced similar to the events held today in SLC and at Orvis. Evergreen Cafe in SLC will open at 10 a.m. Thursday. All other dining facilities will operate during regular hours.

Alfred State will resume normal operations and regular schedules on Friday, February 1. Bundle up and stay safe Pioneers.

Updated Wednesday 11:00 a.m.

With classes canceled for Wednesday, more activities and assistance are now available:

• Free hats and gloves are available to those in need at SLC Park Space Help Desk and Health & Wellness.
• Free hats and gloves are available in CDH at the Pi Rho Zeta Blood Drive Table until 4 p.m.
• All Greek Rush in the SLC Park Space until 2 p.m.
• Rock wall climbing in SLC until 2 p.m.
• Games Nation suite in SLC opens at 2 p.m.
• Board game challenge against the A Team and free popcorn at SLC 3rd Floor until 5 p.m.
• The Oasis in SLC with massage chairs and oxygen bar is open until 8 p.m.
• Basketball tournament in the Orvis gym until 3 p.m.
• Buses available on the loop road until 5 p.m.
• Food service locations are open regular hours.

Updated Wednesday 1/30 7:00 a.m.

With classes canceled for today January 30 due to the winds and cold, students and staff are still advised to take extra precautions when venturing outdoors for any reason. Remember to cover any exposed skin as extreme cold may lead to frostbite in less than 10 minutes. 

Alfred State leadership is not only consulting with weather and safety experts but is also listening to you the students to ensure that we are responsive to concerns. Additional assistance includes:

• Residence Directors and UPD officers have extra hats and gloves for any student needing emergency assistance.
• Grounds crews who are clearing sidewalks and streets also have extra hats and gloves.
• Additional buses will be circling the campus on the loop road until 5 p.m. today. Utilize buses to shorten your time outdoors.
• Drivers will stop for students flagging them down in addition to the usual bus stops.
• All dining facilities on the Alfred campus are scheduled to operate normal hours today.

We ask for all Pioneers to help each other and to appreciate those assisting you. When you see them, thank those who clear the sidewalks, operate your residence hall, and staff your favorite place to eat.

All feedback that students provide us in discussions with residence hall or other staff, by petition, or by any form of communication is appreciated. 

Stay strong Pioneers and be careful.

Updated Tuesday 1/29 8:00 p.m.

To further assist students, be aware that: 

• Residence Directors and UPD officers have extra hats and gloves for any student needing emergency assistance.
• Wednesday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. additional buses will be circling the loop road for assistance during the extreme weather. Drivers will stop for students flagging them down in addition to the usual bus stops. 

Posted Tuesday 1/29 3:00 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill warning that is in effect through 6 p.m. Thursday. Dangerously cold wind chills are expected, with wind chills as low as 35 degrees below zero. 

Extreme wind chill temperatures can cause frostbite on exposed skin in under 10 minutes. As a result of these conditions, Alfred State is offering Pioneers the following tips for staying safe:

• When going outside, cover all exposed skin, including your face. 
• Use layers of clothes to hold in the heat. 
• Think about ways to minimize the time outside. For example, even if walking on the sidewalk is the most direct route to your destination, walk through the nearby buildings that are along the way to increase time indoors. 

We care about you - please take the wind chills seriously!