Weather Emergency Procedures
In case of a weather emergency the Middletown Campus alerts regional television
and radio stations regarding closings or delays. These announcements should
say something regarding the cancellation of classes or start times different
from normal schedules, and then cite either Plan A or Plan B for staff.
People are encouraged to call the weather emergency line at 727-3477 to get
up-to-date class and event schedule changes during weather emergencies when
the campus closes or alters the schedule.
To avoid confusion regarding campus closings on snow days, the following
codes have been adopted regardless of what media announcements may say about
classes:
Plan A - Classes are Canceled and all staff are expected to report to work
All staff will be expected to report to work as scheduled. University personnel
who find themselves unable to report to work due to adverse weather and road
conditions should notify their supervisors as soon as possible.
Classified staff who are tardy in reporting to work or are unable to report
to work, may use available vacation, compensatory time, or personal time to
be paid for the time missed. Classified staff with no available vacation,
compensatory or personal time may make up the lost time during the current
payroll period; or take the time without pay. If the time lost cannot be made
up in the current pay period, employees with no available leave can make up
the time in the following two (2) pay periods as overtime equivalent. Example:
if eight (8) hours were lost, the equivalent overtime hours in the following
two (2) pay periods would be 5.34 total overtime hours worked, if three (3)
hours were lost, the equivalent overtime hours would be 2.0 total overtime
hours worked.
Unclassified staff who are unable to report to work must use vacation for
a half day or more.
Plan B - University or Individual Campus is Closed Due to Weather Conditions
Only designated weather-emergency staff should report to work. Weather-emergency
staff are those designated in the Police Department; Physical Facilities Department;
Department of Housing, Dining and Guest Services; Telecommunications Office;
and others designated by the department heads as "weather-emergency staff".
All other faculty and staff are urged not to come to campus. It is important
to remember that a decision to cancel classes does not constitute closing
a campus.
Weather emergency staff should report to work. On such occasions, all classified
employees who are weather-emergency staff are required to report to work and
will receive double time for all hours worked. Those employees who are not
required to report will be paid for their regularly scheduled hours.
Unclassified staff will receive their regular pay whether or not they are
required to report to work.
Adverse Weather Conditions Arising During the Work Period
In the event of actual or pending adverse weather conditions, classified
employees, with the supervisor's approval, who report late or leave early,
may use available vacation, compensatory time, or personal time; make up the
lost time during the current payroll period; or take the time without pay.
Please remember, during weather emergencies, to listen to one of
the designated radio stations for information regarding the University’s
operations. Hopefully, having the designated Plans A and B will make the communications
easier.
If you have any questions regarding these procedures, please do not
hesitate to contact the Personnel Office, 15 Roudebush, 529-3131 or visit
www.units.muohio.edu/prs/Personnel/WeatherEmergencies.htm
Tornado Information and Instructions
Tornado Watch is issued when the weather conditions
suggest the possibility of a tornado. In this instance, turn your radio or
television to a local station for announcements that cancel the watch or upgrade
the condition to a tornado warning. Radio stations in Middletown include:
WPFB 910AM and 105.9FM.
Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted
in the area. In this instance, stay calm and immediately go to a designated
shelter area in a building (typically a lower level area away from windows,
glass cabinets, and other glass fixtures). If a tornado touchdown occurs,
curl up on the floor, face down, and cover your head with hands and arms.
Please note that the sirens are tested the first Wednesday of each month at
noon.
The Middletown-area weather sirens (a continuous tone for three minutes every
fifteen minutes) are intended to alert people involved in outside
activities to a tornado warning. If you are outside in open country, locate
the nearest depression such as a ditch or ravine, lie flat in it, and cover
your head.
Security
Security is on duty twenty-four hours a day, and can be reached by
dialing 7-3333 from any Campus extension or by calling (513) 727-3333 from
off-campus.
Any reports of unusual behavior or problems experienced on campus i.e., parking
lots, etc. should be directed to Security, or by contacting the switchboard/information
desk where assistance will be sought. However, the Campus is a large and busy
place and each individual needs to take some responsibility for their own
safety.
Miami University Middletown is concerned about the safety of its students,
faculty, and staff.
Experts in the field recommend the following precautions for anyone in a
campus setting, especially during evening hours:
- Use the "buddy system" when coming to or leaving class. There is safety
in numbers.
- When you leave a building, have your keys ready to unlock your vehicle.
You will not want to be fumbling with books, a purse, book bags, or other
items for any length of time.
- Approach your car in a vigilant manner. Be alert to others in the vicinity.
If your vehicle is parked behind a larger vehicle, it could obscure an assailant.
- Look in your vehicle before entering to know that no one is hiding in
the back seat.
- If you are approached in a threatening or suspicious manner, scream.
