EMU Today

YPSILANTI --  Due to the cold weather conditions projected for Wednesday, Jan. 30, Eastern Michigan University will close and all classes are canceled for the day.

Residence halls and apartments will remain open. Campus dining/food service will be available at The Commons, Eastern Eateries and CrossRoads MarketPlace. Eastern Eateries will close at 10 p.m. instead of 1 a.m.

Due to the 24/7 nature of some campus operations, certain designated personnel such as heating plant, physical plant, food service, public safety, WEMU and other employees within specific areas of the University may be required to work. Employees who are required to work will be notified by their supervisors.

All other employees should remain at home in accordance with the Eastern Michigan University Weather Policy and applicable collective bargaining agreements. During the period of closure, all employees are expected to check the University closure website and other media sources to receive updates regarding the closure and reopening of campus. 

University leaders are closely monitoring the situation and will communicate additional information as warranted. Students, faculty and staff should monitor their emich.edu email and the main University website for further updates. If you have not signed up for the RAVE emergency text alert system, please do so at www.emich.edu/alerts/. 

For tonight, Tuesday evening, dining operations will follow the regular schedule with the exception of Eastern Eateries, which will close at 10 p.m. Halle Library and the Student Center will remain open until midnight, per the regular schedule. The Computing Commons lab in Halle will close at midnight. SEEUS (Student Eyes and Ears for University Safety) will provide van service only, until midnight. 

Tomorrow, Wednesday, the Student Center, Halle Library, and the Computing Commons lab will be closed, and SEEUS will not operate, until the University reopens for classes. 

Wind chill safety advisory

The combination of wind and low temperature in winter can be extremely dangerous. Wind chill temperatures are projected to be in the -25  to -40 degree range. Wind chill values near -25 degrees mean that frostbite is possible within 15 minutes.

Frostbite is the freezing of skin and the body tissue just beneath it. It first affects exposed body tissue where blood circulation may be limited such as your fingers, toes, nose and ears. To minimize frostbite, make sure all body parts are well covered. When frostbite starts, feeling is lost in the affected area and the frozen tissue will take on a white or pale appearance. If you suspect you are experiencing frostbite, hold the frostbitten area closely against warm skin to return blood flow and warmth to the affected area.

Hypothermia is a dangerously low body temperature and is the most common winter weather killer. If you or your clothing are wet, then hypothermia becomes even more likely. Warning signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech and drowsiness. Immediate medical attention should be given to victims suspected of suffering from hypothermia.  

When outdoors during cold weather, follow these tips:

• Dress layered. Trapped air between loose fitting clothing helps to insulate.
• Stay covered. Wear mittens or gloves and wear a hat. At least half of your body heat is lost if your head is not covered.
• Stay dry. Wet clothing results in much faster heat loss from your body.  Wear waterproof insulated boots.