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Severe Weather and Natural Disasters 

Severe weather and natural disasters include, but are not limited to hurricanes, tornadoes, tropical storms, tropical depressions, ice and snowstorms.  These weather conditions pose potential threats for the Johnson C. Smith University campus.

When catastrophic or life-threatening conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods or other disastrous circumstances require evacuation from the workplace, employees are not required to make up time lost during the period declared hazardous. 

The President or his/her representative makes decisions regarding the existence of emergency situations. 

It is the intent of the University to operate according to normal schedules whenever possible and to cancel classes or close offices only when it is extremely difficult for students or employees to commute.   

It is the responsibility of each Dean, Director and Department Head to ensure that the faculty and staff are adequately informed, prepared and secured prior to the onset of forecasted severe weather conditions and to review procedures with faculty and staff in advance to ensure a state of readiness. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: 

What are “Essential Service Personnel and how do I know if I fall into this category.

Answer:

Some University operations require employees to report to work to provide critical services during periods of adverse weather or other hazardous conditions.  Employees in these job classifications are designated as either “Essential Service,” “Reserve Service” or “Delayed Service” employees.  All other employees will be designated as “Delayed Service” and are not expected to report to work during adverse weather or emergency conditions.

The University has identified these three groups or levels of personnel to clarify their reporting responsibilities. 

Should closing of the University be required, due to adverse weather or other hazardous conditions, radio and television announcements will be made by the President’s representative. 

During the workday, if conditions develop which require the University to close, faculty, staff and students will be informed through administrative channels including, but not limited to campus email. 

When catastrophic or life-threatening conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods or other disastrous circumstances require evacuation from the workplace, employees are not required to make up time lost during the period declared hazardous.   

Question:    

The JCSU website talks about different types of university closings.  I find this confusing. Please clarify the types of closing for me. 

Answer: 

It is the intent of the University to operate according to normal schedules whenever possible and to cancel classes or close offices only when it is extremely difficult and dangerous for students or employees to commute.

In the event that severe weather or other natural disasters create conditions so serious that it is necessary to suspend one or more operations of the University, the following definitions will apply: 

Classes Cancelled/ Administrative Offices Open – No classes or labs will be held.  Administrative activities generally continue to operate as normal.

Delayed Opening – Classes will start and administrative offices will open at a time established by the President and communicated as outlined above.

University Closed – No employees report to work except those designated as “Emergency Essential.” 

Regardless of the reason for the University closing, some essential personnel will be required to work.  Critical University operations require employees to report to work to provide services during periods of adverse weather.  The department head will identify “emergency essential” employees and give them advance notice of the requirement to report to work.  Employees who are required to remain at work during hazardous times may be relieved of duties for the period of time necessary to assure the safety of their families. 

Question: 

Who is responsible for what activities before, during and after severe inclement weather? 

Answer: 

Before the Storm 

• The Director of Residence Life will meet with the housing staff to review the department’s emergency plan and explain what is expected of the staff before, during and after the storm.
   

• Each Residence Hall Coordinator will meet with the Resident Assistants to discuss the forecast, what actions Residence Life and the University are taking, what procedures the students should follow and offer suggestions to student to call home prior to the onset of the storm.
   

• When necessary, the Directors of Facilities and Technical Services and Residence Life will prepare shelter for the storm.  Preparations will include pre-staging special supplies and materials, contacting campus food service concerning meals for the students and staff, transportation and communication.