Dear Members of the Columbia Community,
Over the last several days, New York City has been experiencing extraordinarily frigid weather. With the wind chill, temperatures today and tomorrow will feel below zero degrees Fahrenheit (-17 degrees Celsius).
Extreme cold weather and high winds make buildings highly susceptible to dangerous or damaging situations, such as frozen pipes, flooding, flying debris and more. In light of these conditions, Campus Operations has mobilized added staff today, during the overnight, and through the weekend.
The added staff will be walking the rooms of our campus buildings, looking for conditions such as non-working radiators, open windows, or leaks. In addition, the enhanced staff presence will provide for a more immediate response should an issue arise in order to mitigate damage.
With the added staff and preventative measures already in place, we are taking all actions within our control to reduce the potential impact of the sub-zero temperatures. Whether in your apartment, residence hall, laboratory, or office space, we ask that you help us to do the same. Ensure windows are closed and locked (including in spaces not normally occupied) and that heat is on and working in all rooms.
If you notice an area of concern, please call the Facilities Services Center immediately at (212) 854-2222. The Service Center is open 24/7 to receive your calls and dispatch our team.
We appreciate your support as we work together to keep our campus safe, beautiful and functional. Please stay safe and warm.
Don Schlosser
Assistant Vice President, Campus Operations
Columbia University Facilities and Operations