Be Prepared

Winter Weather Preparedness ❄️

In partnership with the National Weather Service St. Louis

Winter weather can strike fast — don’t wait to plan.

WashU Emergency Management is proud to collaborate with the National Weather Service St. Louis to promote Winter Weather Preparedness Week and highlight the importance of planning for snow, ice, and extreme cold.

Throughout the week, we encourage our campus community to:

• Make a plan with roommates, family, or coworkers.
• Stay informed with reliable weather alerts.
• Dress for conditions and give yourself extra travel time.
• Be #WeatherAware and look out for one another.

From icy sidewalks to freezing rain and sleet, winter hazards can appear quickly — but with preparation, we can all stay safe, warm, and ready.

Together, we are WashU Ready.

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Start your WashU journey the right way—be prepared, stay safe, and stay WashU Ready. 🎒

Preparedness Starts at Home – Your Campus Home

At WashU, your dorm room, apartment, office, or lab is your “home.” National Preparedness Month is a reminder that small steps today can make a big difference tomorrow. Here are four ways you can prepare right here on campus:

1. Know Your Risk on Campus

• WashU is impacted most often by severe weather (storms, flooding, extreme heat), fire alarms, and power outages.
• Download the WashU Safe app to receive real-time WashUAlerts and stay informed.
• Take five minutes to explore your building’s evacuation routes and shelter areas.

2. Make a Personal Emergency Plan

• If you live in a residence hall: talk with your roommate(s) about where you’ll meet if you must evacuate.
• If you live off-campus: share your emergency contacts with family or friends.
• Faculty/staff: keep a list of key department contacts accessible outside of your phone/computer.
• Think about transportation—how would you get home, to a safe location, or to a hospital if needed?

3. Build a Campus-Ready Kit

• Students: keep a go-bag in your room with basics like snacks, water, a flashlight, extra chargers, and prescription medications.
• Faculty/staff: keep backup essentials in your office—comfortable shoes, chargers, water, and important documents.
• Everyone: consider what you’d need if you couldn’t access your room, lab, or office for 24–48 hours.

4. Get Involved – #AllOfCampus Together

• Take advantage of CPR/First Aid trainings offered on campus.
• Follow @WashUReady on social media for weekly tips this September.
• Be an ambassador—remind your classmates, peers, and coworkers that preparedness is part of our WashU culture.

Preparedness starts with you. Together, we are WashU Ready.

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Hazard preparedness

Explore information for the specific hazards that are most likely to impact the WashU campuses: