As the Chattanooga area prepares for possible inclement weather, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is reminding students, faculty and staff to stay informed and prioritize safety.
Brett Fuchs, director of emergency management, threat assessment, emergency communications and safety, and the University’s public information officer, shared how UTC monitors weather conditions, communicates with the campus community and prepares for hazards like black ice.
How does the University decide when to adjust operations during severe weather?
“The UTC Department of Public Safety (DPS) monitors weather conditions 24/7 using an on-campus weather station, forecasts from the National Weather Service and other trusted weather service providers. When inclement weather is anticipated, DPS works closely with the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, and other local and state partners to assess conditions.
“If warranted, DPS activates the University’s Emergency Operations Center and Incident Management Team (IMT) to support preparedness and response efforts. DPS evaluates risks to travel, infrastructure and campus operations using information from the IMT and external partners and provides regular briefings to the Chancellor and the Executive Leadership Team. University leadership then determines whether adjustments to operations are necessary. Safety is always the top priority, while also ensuring the continuity of critical University functions.”
What communication channels should students, their parents, and faculty and staff monitor most closely for updates? How often are messages sent during weather events?
“The UTC community should closely monitor UTC-ALERT, the University’s emergency notification system. Messages related to weather events are distributed via text message and email, as well as posted on the UTC website and official social media channels.
“The University encourages community members to rely on official UTC communications rather than rumors or unofficial sources.”
Black ice is often a major concern during winter weather. Can you explain what it is and how to watch out for it?
“The National Weather Service defines black ice as ‘patchy ice on roadways that cannot easily be seen.’ Even if roadways have been cleared of snow following a storm, any water left on them may freeze, forming a clear sheet of ice—also known as black ice. It is most dangerous in the early morning, due to sub-freezing nighttime temperatures.
“We strongly advise that you walk slowly on sidewalks, reduce speed while driving and assume that surfaces may be slick even if they do not look icy.”
What steps does UTC take to treat roads, sidewalks and high-traffic areas before and during icy conditions?
“The UTC Department of Facilities Planning and Management, in coordination with UTC Housing and Residence Life Facilities and other facility managers, applies ice melt to University-owned or controlled roads, sidewalks, parking lots and building entrances before, during and after weather events as appropriate.
“Treatment efforts prioritize areas that remain open and heavily used during inclement weather—such as Crossroads, residence halls and primary pedestrian pathways—before expanding outward to all of campus.”
What should someone do if they feel unsafe traveling to or around campus due to weather conditions?
“Safety always comes first. Anyone who feels unable to travel to campus safely due to weather conditions is encouraged to prioritize their personal safety and communicate as soon as possible.
“Students should notify their course instructors as soon as possible. Faculty will work with students to provide reasonable accommodations, while students are expected to complete required coursework in accordance with their instructors’ guidelines.
“Faculty should contact their department head, or their school or program director, as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements consistent with the UTC Faculty Handbook.
“Staff should contact their supervisor as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.”
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