As the winter season arrives, Public Safety has provided information about how the college makes decisions during severe weather and what steps students can take to stay prepared. Winter conditions in Iowa can change quickly, and a little planning now helps keep the entire community safe.
When winter weather affects operations, the college considers several factors before making a delay or closure decision:
Current on-site conditions: Input from campus personnel regarding weather, ice, sidewalks, parking lots and overall accessibility.
Operational impact: Snowfall amounts, current snow removal progress and the effect on campus operations.
Road conditions: Road safety for students, staff, faculty and visitors based on local travel conditions.
Environmental factors: Temperature, wind speed and wind chill that may create unsafe conditions.
A decision to delay or close will be communicated by 5:30 a.m. or as emerging conditions warrant.
A decision to close during daytime or evening classes/activities will be communicated in a timely manner based on developing weather conditions.
Buildings will be unlocked 30 minutes before the announced start time.
Classes and activities that are scheduled to start before a delay will not meet. Employees and students should not arrive to campus more than 30 minutes before the campus opening.
Students enrolled in county and regional center programming should follow local high school procedures as well as Kirkwood’s closures and delays.
Once a decision is made, the college will send updates through Kirkwood Alert. Other communication platforms such as campus email, Talon, MyHub, social media and local media outlets may share the same message.
If you have not yet registered for Kirkwood Alert, please take a moment to do so. It is the fastest way to receive urgent weather updates. Register at www.kirkwood.edu/alert.
Campus services including the library, Rec Center and Student Center will follow the same delay or closure schedule unless otherwise announced.
Please note that clinicals, certain labs and Continuing Education courses may operate on a different schedule. Students should check with their program or department for specific guidance.
Winter preparedness tips for your home: Keep pipes insulated and protected from freezing. Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed, working, and tested.
Winter preparedness tips for your vehicle:Carry an emergency kit that includes blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight, and a phone charger. Check tire condition, antifreeze levels, and battery health before severe weather sets in.
Emergency kits:Home kits should include nonperishable food, water, essential medications, a weather radio, a flashlight and extra batteries.
Car kits should include ice scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, and warm clothing.
Categories: Contributed, News
