Aloha Yellow Jackets,

I hope the start of the new semester has gone well, and that you are staying warm and dry in these cold and rainy conditions. Georgia Tech has been monitoring the potential for severe winter weather that may soon impact our region. Forecast models from the National Weather Service suggest the possibility of freezing rain, ice and/or snow accumulation, and extremely cold temperatures across parts of Georgia this weekend into early next week. These conditions could create travel disruptions and, depending on severity, could affect campus operations.

As always, our concerns are for the safety and welfare of the Georgia Tech community. This email is to ensure you have the information you might need to prepare for the possibility of significant weather impacts.  We also recognize that for some Yellow Jackets, this may be your first notable experience with snow and ice!

What You Can Do Now: Practical Preparation Tips

With conditions sometimes changing unexpectedly, a bit of planning now can help ensure you remain safe and at ease. According to the National Weather Service and the Georgia Tech Office of Emergency Management here are a few tips to prepare you for potential inclement weather.

1. Be sure to keep checking your texts and emails for the latest Institute updates. This would be good time to sign up for emergency alerts from Georgia Tech. To sign up for GTENS with your GT ID, log into passport.gatech.edu to add your contact information.
2. Build a basic winter weather kit to include:
   • Non-perishable foods (at least a three-day supply of protein bars, nut butters, bread, and canned meats such as tuna or chicken).
   • Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation).
   • Prescription medicine and a first aid kit.
   • Flashlights.
   • Toiletries.
   • Sleeping bag and/or extra blankets, hats, and gloves.
   • Extra batteries and chargers.
3. Other preparations:
   1. Keep devices charged as long as possible.
   2. Insulate pipes and let faucets drip, and leave cabinet doors open.
   3. Bring plants and pets indoors.
   4. Keep doors and windows closed to keep cold air out and warm air inside.
   5. If you have a vehicle, make sure it has gas. 
4. Travel Safely: If the forecast worsens, roads could become unsafe due to ice. Airports and train stations have already reduced or cancelled routes in impacted areas. The National Weather Service recommends avoiding travel if possible during freezing rain events.  If you must travel by car, ensure your vehicle is fueled, stocked with blankets, snacks, and a flashlight before getting on the road. If your windshield is frozen, do not pour warm water over it, as the drastic temperature difference could cause the glass to crack. 

Looking Ahead

While some models suggest the possibility of heavy ice accumulation and very cold temperatures, impacts will depend on how the weather system develops. The Georgia Tech Police Department’s Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates. Please remain attentive to official Institute communications about any operational changes.

Keep in mind these resources:

• Monitor local weather updates via the National Weather Service Atlanta/Peachtree City office: https://www.weather.gov/ffc
• Review winter weather preparedness tips from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS): https://gema.georgia.gov/winter 
• Verify and update your Georgia Tech emergency contact information in the Georgia Tech Emergency Notification System (GTENS) by logging into: https://passport.gatech.edu
• Review personal preparedness guidance through the Georgia Tech Office of Emergency Management: https://www.gatech.edu/emergency
• Keep your cell phone fully charged and with you at all times so you can receive GTENS alerts and campus updates.
• Download the Georgia Tech LiveSafe App, the Institute’s official safety app, for emergency communication, reporting, and resources: https://prepare.gatech.edu/livesafe-app 

Again, our priority is your safety and well‑being. Being informed and taking small steps now can make any potential impacts easier to navigate. If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to any of our departments and offices across Student Engagement & Well‑Being. And if you are looking for warmth and camaraderie this weekend, come by the John Lewis Student Center for activities, fun and games. Thank you for taking a moment to prepare and stay aware.

Warmly,