UOAlert!: Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, 7 p.m.

Sunday morning classes and events canceled

The University of Oregon has canceled classes and events for Sunday morning, Feb. 9.

While campus is typically less active on weekends, it is home for 4,000 students and employees are responsible for supporting a world class research enterprise.

For students on campus, there are facilities and activities open including:
–    Housing Dining Venues are open normal weekend hours
–    EMU – 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
–    University Health Center  – Closed
–    Student Recreation Center  – 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.

For students and others on campus, please use extreme caution and avoid walking under or near trees as there are dozens of downed tree limbs due to icy conditions.

The UO’s Eugene campus remains operational and employees are expected to report to regular duties to support campus activities beyond canceled classes and events.

It is understood that not everyone will be able to travel to campus due to the continuing inclement weather. Members of the campus community are expected to use their best judgment in assessing the risk of coming to campus and returning home, based on individual circumstances. Those who believe that the road conditions from their homes are dangerous are urged and even expected to remain home.

UOAlert:

Extremely dangerous conditions continue on campus and throughout the Eugene community due to ice accumulation on trees and power lines. Avoid outdoor travel if possible. If traveling is necessary, please use extreme caution and avoid walking under or near trees.

Ice Storm Facts:

• – Ice can increase the weight of branches by 30 times.
• – A 1/2″ accumulation on power lines can add 500 pounds of extra weight.
• – The history of ice storms in Oregon

UOAlert!: Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, 3:00 p.m.

Classes and events are canceled until noon today and everyone is encouraged to use extreme caution when outdoors on campus and in the greater community.  For students on campus, there are facilities and activities open today including:

–    Housing Dining Venues are open normal weekend hours
–    EMU – 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
–    EMU Craft Center – 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
–    University Health Center  – Closed
–    Student Recreation Center  – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Vertical Circus @ noon)
–    Knight Library – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (possibly earlier)

The Oregon women’s basketball game against Utah, rescheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8 at Matthew Knight Arena, will be free and is being offered for those within walking distance, especially students.

The UO Police Department advises the following safety tips:

Stay off the roads if possible. More cars and people out in severe conditions raises the chances of accidents. If you can, keep yourself safer by staying inside.

Beware of slippery surfaces. Icy conditions are not always apparent. Taking small steps can help prevent slips and falls.

The risk of falling ice will increase as temperatures rise and ice begins to melt. With freezing rain continuing to accumulate on trees and buildings, there is an increased hazard from falling ice and broken branches. Try to avoid walking under trees, and next to buildings.

Don’t walk in the street. Streets are for vehicles and bikes, and pedestrians in the roadway can become a hazard for drivers or cyclists who are already contending with snow and ice.

Use crosswalks and be visible and purposeful. Cross streets at intersections, with the proper signals, and go straight across. Don’t go in a diagonal line and spend more time in the street than necessary. With the snow and ice, cars or bicycles will have a very hard time slowing, stopping or avoiding a pedestrian who is in the roadway.

Wear appropriate clothes. It’s cold and wet. Exposed skin can become frostbitten or lead to other medical problems. Cover up and wear shoes that can take the snow and keep some traction. Even wearing a pair of heavy socks over your shoes can help provide extra traction. Water-resistant outerwear is advised to prevent chilling.