Cold Weather Incoming
Good Evening - 

We hope this message finds you doing well. We’re writing today with important information about a winter weather event this weekend into early next week.
Bottom Line Up Front

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch, which is in effect from late Saturday night through Monday morning - with extremely difficult travel conditions, significant icing and snow accumulation possible, and power outages and tree damage likely.

Students in University Housing

  • If you should experience a power outage, please report it to Facilities and Campus Services at 336-758-4255. 
  • Our Facilities and Campus Services team will be ready to respond to winter weather. Should you find a problem in your community that needs attention, please report it to Facilities and Campus Services at 336-758-4255.
  • Call volume may be high during the storm, so please ensure you leave a detailed message including your name, building, where the issue is, your cell number, and a detailed explanation of the issue
  • For Deacon Place residents, the Long Drive entrance gate will remain open during the winter weather event. Once the ice/snow has been cleared, the gate will return to the regular open/close schedule.
Card Access and Power Outages

  • During a power outage, our card reader doors lock by default to ensure the security of our communities. 
  • Should the power go out, staff in certain areas of campus (North Campus Apartments) will prop exterior doors to ensure students can access the buildings. As these exterior doors will be propped, it is imperative that these residents keep apartment doors locked.
Students in University-Sponsored or other Off-Campus properties

  • If you should experience a power outage due to inclement weather, please call Duke Energy directly (1-800-769-3766) to report your outage.
  • Should you find a problem at your property that needs attention, please report it to your landlord or property management as soon as possible. 
  • If you live off-campus you may want to stock up on non-perishables and water ahead of the storm.
Tips for Preventing Ice-Related Issues

  • Keep all windows closed. 
  • Leave the heat at 65 degrees (at least).
  • Leave kitchen and bath cabinet doors open.
  • Leave sink faucets to a slow drip.

Safety tips for ALL students

  • Be sure to use caution any time temperatures are below freezing, as slick areas may exist or reappear overnight.
  • Pay attention to your surroundings. Avoid walking under tree limbs and power lines that have ice on them. 
  • It is good preparation to have a flashlight with fresh batteries in the event of a power outage.
  • Stock up on non-perishables and water ahead of the storm in case you are unable to leave home for food. 
  • Plan to charge all your devices (phone, laptop, etc.) this evening before the storm is projected to begin.
  • During a power outage, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. For further food safety guidance, please visit foodsafety.gov.
Should you have an emergency, please contact 911 or call University Police at 336-758-5911 for assistance.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at housing@wfu.edu or 336.758.5185.

Best -

​Zach Blackmon, Ph.D., MBA
Associate Director of Operations
Office of Residence Life and Housing | Wake Forest University
336.758.5185 | housing@wfu.edu | rlh.wfu.edu