New to New England Winters?

This information is intended especially for students unfamiliar with the winter weather that can be typical for New England.

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Sizable snow accumulation is expected in Massachusetts tonight through tomorrow, our first significant snowfall of the season. All Tufts’ campuses will be closed tomorrow, February 9. If you’ve never been in a snow storm before, or if it’s been a while since you have, here are some things you can do to prepare:

1. Get ready for the power to go out (just in case). Charge your phones and laptops now if you have them, clear clutter off the floor of your room, find any flashlights and/or batteries you may have packed and brought when you arrived on campus. Local hardware and convenience stores may still have flashlights (and snacks). Candles are not permitted in residence halls.
2. Watch for announcements about campus operations. There will be no classes tomorrow, and there may be additional announcements made about specific offices and facilities. At this time:
   • Health Service (124 Professors Row) plans to be open 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Please call 617-627-3350 before traveling to Health Service.
   • 230 The Fenway and 160 St. Alphonsus on the SMFA at Tufts campus may be open under the After-hours Access policy provided there is power. Please call 617-627-3030 before traveling to SMFA facilities.
   • The Mayer Campus Center may be open 5 p.m. – 1 a.m. The Commons Marketplace and Hotung Cafe will be closed.

During an active storm:

1. Stay indoors as much as you can. Roads may be impassable and our campus responders will need time to clear walkways and sidewalks on the campus, too. It’s best to avoid the roads and give the plows the space to do their job.
2. Bundle up. If you do go outside, wear layers of clothes to stay warm.
3. Know where to eat:
   • Medford/Somerville campus: Dewick-MacPhie and Carmichael will remain open to all students on meal plans or those who wish to get food with JumboCash.
   • SMFA at Tufts: Students on the MassART meal plan may find dining hall hours and locations on the Chartwells website. Students may also use RhinoBucks. Café de Cart will be closed.

More information is available on the Office of Emergency Management website, which is updated regularly. Announcements about University status are also regularly posted. Students on campus should look out for programs in the Residence Halls and seek out RAs or their Area Residence Director for more information.

While many university offices are closed during a weather emergency, TUPD’s Communications Center will be open and able to direct you to resources if needed. In a non-emergency, please call 617-627-3030 to reach TUPD. In an emergency, please call 617-627-6911. Thank you in advance for your patience in non-emergencies.

Stay warm and stay safe!