This information reminds the Rutgers community of university policy concerning adverse weather conditions and identifies sources for accurate weather-related updates to students, faculty, and staff.

In the event of a delayed opening, class cancellation, or campus closure, notifications will be made as early as possible. Essential services employees must report for work if their services are needed, even during closures due to weather emergencies. The term "essential services personnel" applies only when employees have been notified that their services are required.

For operating status updates, visit: uwide.rutgers.edu/status. Additional campus-specific updates:

• Rutgers University—New Brunswick
• Rutgers University—Newark
• Rutgers University—Camden
• Rutgers Biomedical & Health Sciences

Students and non-essential personnel should make personal decisions about travel during inclement weather. Faculty and staff may request personal leave from supervisors if commuting is unsafe.

See University Policy 60.3.16 for details on university operations during inclement weather.

Campus Information Services (CIS) disseminates weather-related information through email, websites, campus television, and local media. Faculty and staff are encouraged to maintain updated emergency telephone chains.

Weather Related Information

• National Weather Service
• NJ Office of Emergency Management
• Rutgers Weather Center

Earthquakes are rare in New Jersey but can cause damage and hazards. Buildings may not be designed to withstand significant tremors.

Individual and Group Safety Information

Important safety measures during an earthquake:

Emergencies such as hazardous materials releases, storms, or terrorism may require sheltering inside a facility.

• Identify safe, interior, windowless rooms to take shelter.
• DO NOT use basement areas during hazardous materials incidents.
• Close exterior windows and turn off HVAC systems during hazardous materials incidents.
• Establish a duty desk to monitor communications and coordinate resources.

Departments may stock emergency supplies for sheltering (most emergencies last less than 24 hours).

• Bottled water (1 gallon per person/day, replace every 6 months)
• Flashlights with extra batteries
• AM/FM radio with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Duct tape
• Pen and paper
• Whistle
• Garbage bags
• Personal hygiene items
• Disinfectant and household bleach
• Non-perishable food and utensils (replace every 6 months)
• Plastic buckets with tight lids (emergency toilet)

If caught outdoors in a severe thunderstorm or lightning threat:

1. Seek shelter in a substantial building.
2. Avoid metal structures and fences.
3. Use phones only in emergencies.
4. Do not bathe or shower.
5. Wait 30+ minutes after last thunder before leaving safe location.

If outdoors with no shelter:

REMEMBER: If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

Monitor weather updates and dial 911 in emergencies. The Lighting Detection System on New Brunswick/Piscataway campuses will announce proximity of lightning; suspend field activities until safe.

Short utility outages are expected; emergency lighting guides safe egress. Current status:

• New Brunswick/Piscataway: fms.rutgers.edu/interruption/inter.asp, campusstatus.rutgers.edu
• Newark: newark.rutgers.edu/campusstatus
• Camden: camden.rutgers.edu

During extended outages, follow instructions below: