Preparing for Inclement Weather This Weekend

Dear Members of the Georgetown University Community, 

The university is monitoring this weekend’s winter storm, predicted to impact the DC area beginning late on Saturday, Jan. 24, as well as many other areas of the U.S. Please take a moment to read through December’s “Preparing for Inclement Weather Season” message, which outlines the various university operating statuses, details about instructional continuity and information for telework, hybrid and emergency employees. 

Changes in the university’s operating status for all DC campuses (i.e., Hilltop Campus and Capitol Campus) will be communicated via HOYAlert, so we recommend that you log into the systemnow to verify and update your contact information.  

Please note the following phone numbers for campus partners who can assist you in case of an emergency:

• Public Safety
  • For the Hilltop Campus Georgetown University Police Department, call (202) 687-4343.
  • For the Capitol Campus Department of Public Safety, call (202) 662-9325.
  • If off campus, please call 911. 
• Facilities Management
  • For facilities-related emergencies, please call the Work Management Center at (202) 687-3432.
  • For non-emergencies, please submit a maintenance request.

We will maintain essential services throughout the storm, including public safety, dining services, facilities management, libraries, transportation, campus recreation and student health services. However, regular schedules may be adjusted and communicated via the corresponding websites listed on the university’s operating status website.

Dining

Depending on the severity of the storm, some dining services may be limited. For the most up-to-date information on dining services, visit the following websites:

• Hilltop Campus Dining Services
• Capitol Campus Dining Services

GUTS

OTM’s website will be updated for this weekend’s operations.

General Winter Safety Tips

• Please prepare for limited mobility and travel during and in the immediate aftermath of the storm.
• Use caution when navigating entryways, stairwells, sidewalks and roadways in and around campus and residential communities. 
• Charge phones, electronic devices, and medical devices in case of power outages.
• Wearing appropriate clothing and footwear in cold weather is critical for your safety. Please dress appropriately if you are traveling.
• Do not traverse through closed-off or roped off areas. Only walk on plowed walking routes and take small steps. This helps maintain stability on slippery surfaces.
• To learn more about general winter weather safety, you can visit the Ready.gov “Winter Weather” site. 

For On-Campus Residential Students

• Keep your thermostat temperature set to at least 68 degrees.
• Keep windows and doors closed to prevent a strain on the heating systems and frozen pipes. 
• Consider buying supplies and groceries in advance of the storm. If you live on the Capitol Campus in 55H and Gewirz, consider grocery shopping early since Capitol Campus dining services are closed on the weekends.

For Off-Campus Students in the Hilltop Neighborhoods (Georgetown, Burleith, Foxhall, Cloisters)

• The Office of Neighborhood Life (ONL) will have staff available throughout the weekend if you need assistance. Email neighborhoodlife@georgetown.edu to reach ONL. If you are experiencing an issue in the neighborhood and need immediate assistance, please call the University Helpline at (202) 687-8413.  
• If your home loses power or heat, contact your landlord immediately and then inform an ONL staff member. 
• ONL has designated “Winter Houses” throughout Georgetown, Burleith and Foxhall, supplied with shovels and ice melt for students to keep their sidewalks clear of snow and ice (as a reminder, DC law requires residential and commercial property owners to remove snow/ice from the sidewalks around their property within the first eight hours of daylight after a storm ends.) ONL will email students in the Georgetown, Burleith, Cloisters and Foxhall neighborhoods with more information regarding Winter Houses.

If you have any questions about inclement weather preparedness, please reach out to oem@georgetown.edu. Thank you for taking action to protect the safety and well-being of yourself and others this winter.

Sincerely, 

Office of Emergency Management