Winter weather has officially arrived at WSU Spokane! As the snow begins to fall, here are a few important winter weather reminders for the campus community:
Inclement Weather and Operations
In the event of changes to campus operations due to inclement weather, all employees and students are notified via the WSU Spokane Alerts system. All WSU employees and students are automatically signed up to receive notifications to their WSU email addresses. However, to manage your contact information and add other contact channels, such as a cellphone number, log in to Everbridge using your WSU SSO credentials and select “My Profile.”
Information regarding personnel processes can be found on the Human Resource Services Inclement Weather & Suspended Operations website. In general, employees are encouraged to communicate with their supervisor to determine work arrangements during inclement weather, regardless of the status of campus operations. Similarly, students are encouraged to work with their instructors regarding their coursework and expectations.
Winter Driving and Parking Lot Safety
Students and employees should individually assess road conditions between home and campus to ensure they can safely travel.
Snow removal for campus parking lots will occur when the accumulation of snowfall exceeds two inches. However, icy conditions can happen even with limited snowfall. Students and employees can take advantage of the evening park-up rule if they are on campus at night and wish to be closer to their vehicle. Additionally, if you need a vehicle jumpstart due to cold weather, please contact Campus Security.
Cold Weather Building Maintenance
As temperatures dip, extra attention is needed to ensure campus facilities are functioning properly. Use the checklist below to help maintain a comfortable and energy-efficient environment across campus.
- Ensure all windows, doors, vents, and other openings are closed and secured.
- Turn off portable heaters and non-essential electrical equipment when not in use. Review the portable space heater guidelines for additional information.
- Report any known problem items that could freeze to Facilities Operations.
- Inspect areas prone to drafts or cold air leaks and seal as needed.
- Ensure water pipes in unheated areas are insulated or drained.
- Verify heating systems are functioning properly. The indoor daytime temperature is typically maintained at 70°F with a variability of ±2°F due to system performance and environmental factors.
- Remove snow and ice from building entrances and emergency exits. Snow removal will be completed by Facilities Operations personnel
To report any problem areas or request services, contact Facilities Operations by calling (509) 358-7760 or submit a Work Request.
