Weather Precautions for February 3-5

February 1, 2023

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Current weather forecasts are predicting periods of bitterly cold temperatures beginning this Friday, February 3, and continuing through Sunday, February 5.

Help us protect our campus by closing and locking all windows, blinds, and doors each day, especially in spaces that are not normally occupied. This simple act is the most important thing you can do to prevent freezing pipes and weather-related damage.

Plan Ahead

  • Be sure to close all windows in spaces that are not normally occupied (e.g., conference rooms). If you cannot fully close your window, please call CUIMC Facilities Management at 212-305-HELP (4357), option 3, for support.
  • Make sure all faucets are off.
  • Move electrical or valuable items off the floor and away from windows.
  • Turn off lights, appliances, electronics, and any other non-essential office equipment when not in use, including space heaters and air conditioning units.
  • Review any departmental contingency plans and emergency protocols—including those related to equipment operation.
  • Make sure all critical equipment is connected to emergency power outlets. Contact CUIMC Facilities Management at 212-305-HELP (4357), option 3, if you are unsure and a representative will visit and assess your area.
  • Keep all freezers, refrigerators, and environmental room doors closed and limit access. Typically, this equipment will maintain temperature for approximately four (4) hours. Do not place dry ice or cryogenic materials in cold rooms, as they can create a hazardous, oxygen-deficient atmosphere.
  • Tightly seal all containers in fume hoods or remove and safely store them elsewhere in the lab. Shut off all gas valves servicing the fume hoods.
  • Refrain from conducting any laboratory work involving hazardous materials–including chemicals, biological, and radiological materials.
  • Sign up for real-time notifications from Public Safety and building-specific alerts from Facilities Management.

Stay Alert

In addition to monitoring building systems, our staff will be walking the rooms of campus buildings, looking for conditions such as open windows or leaks. Report any Facilities-related issues to Facilities Management at 212-305-HELP (4357), option 3, and personnel will be dispatched.

Report any on-campus emergencies or unsafe conditions—such as building floods or flying debris—to Public Safety at 212-305-7979.