Purdue to operate Tuesday on normal schedule

January 27, 2014

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue officials confirmed that the university will operate on a normal work and class schedule for Tuesday (Jan. 28).

This decision is based on a careful consideration by the administration and an assessment of the National Weather Service (NWS) forecast, including predicted temperatures and wind speed, for the West Lafayette campus and a discussion with NWS staff. Purdue administrators coupled this assessment with the university's longstanding procedures for severe weather.

Purdue has had only one other temperature-related class delay in its history, and those temperatures were significantly lower than current predictions, said Carol Shelby, senior director for environmental health and public safety.

While all classes are slated to take place on a regular schedule, students are encouraged to contact their professors for further information, as instructors could decide to cancel individual class sessions.

Any employees who determine that their individual situation makes travel to work unsafe are reminded they can use paid or unpaid leave if they are unable to report for campus duty, however, they should contact their supervisors as soon as possible.

As the area braces for sub-zero temperatures, Shelby offers the following advice for those who will be walking on campus:

* Make sure you have winter footwear with excellent treads to help keep your footing on ice. Additional tips to help avoid slips in snowy and icy conditions are available online at https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/purduetoday/releases/2013/Q4/winter-walking-tips-to-avoid-slip-and-fall-injuries.html.

* Wear several layers of lightweight, warm clothing.

* Wear a scarf to cover your mouth.

* Mittens that fit snugly at the wrists are better than gloves.

* Sport a hat to prevent body heat loss from your head.

* Take the Purdue pedestrian tunnels and enclosed walkways.

* Ride CityBus, which is free to everyone with a Purdue student, faculty, staff or retiree identification card.

Source: Carol Shelby, cshelby@purdue.edu