• Emergency Closing/Inclement Weather    
• Inclement Weather Policy  

Emergency Closing/Inclement Weather

It is the policy of the University to remain open to ensure continuity of service to students, faculty, staff, and administrators. However, during inclement weather or other emergencies (e.g. natural disasters, major utility failure, or other reasons), the safety of the Loyola community will be the highest priority.

In the event of severe weather or other emergencies, the University will provide an orderly and immediate response to the event. Loyola may decide to cancel classes or activities and/or close offices at the University after considering the information available at the time.

Closing Options:

The University has defined several closing options to facilitate decision making, information sharing, and to minimize disruption. These options include:

• Closed – the University is closed, all activities/classes are cancelled
• Delayed opening – University operations will begin at a designated time; classes that begin prior to that time will not meet
• Early closing – University operations will be closed at some point during the day; classes that begin after closing will not meet
• Cancellation of evening activities – University operations will cease at a designated time; activities that begin at or after that time will not meet
• Cancellation of off campus classes and activities at a specific site – University operations located a specific off campus will cease
• Localized and temporary closing – A building or location could be closed because conditions may make learning and working conditions inadvisable for a limited period of time.

These options are offered as a guide only; situations or conditions may dictate a different response to ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Loyola’s Inclement Weather Policy: 

In the event of severely inclement weather which makes driving hazardous and/or parking difficult, a decision will be made to close or delay the opening of campus. This decision will be made as quickly and as far in advance as possible. In most cases announcements will be made before 6 a.m. day-of (early closings are announced immediately when a decision is made during the day). However, forecasts are often uncertain and change unexpectedly, which could cause announcements to be made later or earlier than expected. Regardless of time of day, please monitor all of the communications channels listed below when inclement weather is in the forecast.

Announcements will be made through PM_Evergreen email to all members of the campus community, Greyhound Alerts text message, Inside Loyola, Loyola.edu homepage, Loyola.edu emergency information page, weather line (410-617-2223), Facebook, and Twitter.

Radio:

• WBAL (1090 AM)
• WIYY (98 Rock) 
• WTOP (820 AM and 103.5 FM)
• WWMX-FM (mix 106.5)
• WLIF-FM (101.9 Lite FM)

Television: 

• WMAR - TV (2)
• WBAL - TV (11)
• WJZ - TV (13)
• WBFF Fox (45)
• WRC-TV (4)

Winter Weather Information

Winter storms can range from light to moderate snow over a few hours to blizzard conditions with blinding, wind-driven snow or freezing rain that lasts several days. When listening to winter weather reports, it is important to be familiar with the terms used by the broadcasters. To see a list of terms, view winter weather definitions and terms . 

Winter Weather Safety Tips

Students and staff should take precaution in using all facilities during periods of snow and ice in the event that removal staff has not yet attended to a specific area.  All members of the Loyola community  are encouraged to:

• wear appropriate footwear for the weather
• exercise caution when walking, be on the lookout for slippery areas and "black ice"
• plan ahead to allow extra time to reach your destination safely
• use Loyola's shuttle service to avoid walking on potential slippery or ice covered surfaces
• please report any unsafe conditions regarding snow and ice to Facilities Management at ext. 2200

Loyola's Snow Removal Response

Facilities employees or contractors will begin snow removal and spreading de-icing agents on sidewalks, steps, doorways, landings, handicap ramps, curb cuts, and all parking lots. They will also clear snow and spread salt/sand at major street intersections within campus and parking areas. These areas and parking lots will be addressed even if the University is closed. The custodial staff will assess hazards and or needs within buildings that may have been created by snow and ice. These issues may include wet lobbies, hallways, bathrooms, stairwells, etc. Signage will be posted to designate wet floors and other hazards within residence halls. Please remember to use caution when traveling throughout campus. 

Our goal is to reach every critical area of the campus within 24 hours of the last snow or ice accumulation. However, time frames to accomplish de-icing all areas may fluctuate in relation to the amount of personnel available and the severity of the event. 

What is a Snow Emergency Plan?

The Maryland State Police (MSP) declares snow emergencies with input from MD State Highway Administration. Once a snow emergency is declared, the law requires certain precautions.   They include:

• Prohibited parking on roads and streets designated as snow emergency routes; and 
• The use of snow tires/chains (most cars now use all weather tires, so changing to "snow" tires is unnecessary)

 Once an emergency is in effect, all requirements are in effect until lifted.   A Snow Emergency Plan is put into effect by county.  For up-to-date information on which counties have enacted their snow Emergency Plans, please view the State’s website.  Certain exceptions can occur while a snow emergency plan is in effect.  A specific route(s) can be lifted and the remainders of the roads in the county still remain under the Snow Emergency Plan.   If the Statewide Operations Center is notified of an exception, we will note these routes as exceptions in our list below.   For the most up to date information, it is advised to call the local MSP barrack for the county. View a listing of barracks with their contact information.

Baltimore City Snow Emergency Phases 

Phase 1

• Requires that vehicles have snow tires, all weather radials or chains. Police citations are issued to those without
• It would help if citizens would park off of the snow emergency routes before phase 2 of the snow emergency plan is activated. It will greatly help the Department of Transportation to clear the emergency routes quickly if no cars are interfering.

Phase 2

• Requires that vehicles have snow tires, all weather radials or chains. (Police citations are issued to those without)
• Parking is prohibited on designated Snow Emergency Routes. Snow emergency routes are clearly marked and vehicles parked along these designated roadways during a snow emergency will be ticketed and towed. Vehicles are impounded if they are parked along the restricted peak hour zones in the downtown area. In neighborhoods, they are relocated to suggested alternative parking areas such as schools or recreational facilities.
• During a Phase 2 snow emergency, citizens may park at area schools equipped with parking lots.

Phase 3

• Permits emergency vehicles only on City streets.

For more information regarding Baltimore City’s Snow Emergency Information, please visit the Baltimore City Snow Center Website.

Maryland “State of Emergency”