Severe Weather Policy

Department of Campus Recreation Severe Weather Guidelines


If the University is CLOSED:

  • Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center is CLOSED
  • All Campus Recreation programming/activities are CANCELLED

If the University is OPEN and classes are CANCELLED:

  • Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center is OPEN following the break hours of operation schedule listed below (provided that adequate staffing is possible)

  • Intramural Sports programs are CANCELLED

  • Group X, Nutrition, Fitness Assessments and all other Fitness & Wellness programs are CANCELLED

Break Hours of Operation/Hours of Operation when classes are CANCELLED:

Monday-Thursday 10am-8pm

Friday 10am-6pm

Saturday & Sunday

To be determined by the Director of Campus Recreation or AVP of Student Experience


Short Term Closing of the Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center Guidelines

To ensure continuity of services to students and the public, it is the policy of the university to remain open. If weather (or other short term emergency such as a power outage) warrants cancelation of classes or closing of campus, the Department of Campus Recreation will follow the University’s Severe Weather policy. However, during extreme conditions due to severe weather, major utility failure, extreme temperatures or other reasons, the Department of Campus Recreation may cancel programs, sections or all of the Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center.


Extreme Temperatures

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends maintaining air temperature for all physical activity areas between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit and maintaining relative humidity at 60% or lower. (Tharrett, 2012).


Air Conditioning Failure

In the event that the building systems should fail resulting in high heat and/or humidity, we must take precautions to prevent members from suffering from heat-related illness.

Heat related Illness is the result of elevated body temperatures due to an inability to dissipate the body’s heat and/or decreased fluid level. Always remember that mild heat illness has the potential of becoming severe life threatening if not treated properly.

Ambient (actual) temperature is not the only factor that plays a role for creating a potential for heat related injuries, humidity is also very important. Since our bodies rely on the evaporation of sweat as a major method if cooling, high humidity greatly reduces our ability to cool the body, and increasing the risk of heat illness.

Heat Index : The Heat Index is used to determine the Apparent Temperature (what it feels like) using the environmental (ambient) temperature and the relative humidity.

* See Heat Index Table

Since we are able to measure these two environmental conditions inside of the Andrews Student Recreation & Wellness Center, we will use the Apparent Temperature to determine at what point we will suspend activity in certain areas in order to help prevent heat illnesses. Staff will be using the Amprobe Wireless RH Meter to determine temperature and humidity.

The possibility for heat related illness increases greatly when the Apparent Temperature reaches 95 degrees (F). In an attempt to prevent this, we will suspend programming in a particular areas when the Apparent Temperature reaches 87 degrees (F). Injuries are not restricted to mere Apparent Temperature . At high humidity levels, it is very possible for water to condense on floors, presenting a serious slip and fall hazard.

Procedures for Measuring Apparent Temperature:

In the event that the building system is not functioning properly, it will be the responsibility of the Intern on duty to monitor the different activity areas within the Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center and calculate the Apparent Temperature in these areas using the Heat Index Table.

Staff will be using the Amprobe Wireless RH Meter to determine temperature and humidity.

The Intern will take periodic readings, no more than 15 minutes apart, until the systems are restored and the Apparent Temperature returns to nominal levels. These areas will include the track, aerobic studio, strength and conditioning area, fitness assessment office and basketball courts. The Intern will use the Amprobe Wireless RH Meter to take readings from each area. The readings will then be used to find the Apparent Temperature on the following chart.

When the Apparent Temperature reaches 80 degrees (F) in a certain area, a Heat Index Caution will be issued to all patrons over the public address system, alerting them to the conditions and advising them to limit extreme activity to 15-minute intervals with plenty of rest and water in between.

When the Apparent Temperature reaches 87 degrees (F), the Intern will then suspend all formal activity in that area; until such time that the Apparent Temperature falls below 87 degrees.

When the Apparent Temperature reaches 95 degrees (F) or higher, the Director will be notified and begin process of closing activity areas of the facility for a period of time, until temperatures return to a safe level.

In the event that the building systems should fail, the Intern should contact the Assistant Director for Fitness and Facility Operations and/or the Director to advise them of the situation. At that point, the professional will advise on appropriate interventions.


Heat Index of 80-87 – Limit intense exercise for unfit individuals

All programs and informal recreation continue unaffected:

  1. Staff will monitor the activity of patrons and provide reminders about proper hydration, proper exercise intensity, proper clothing and appropriate rest while exercising in extreme heat.
  2. Handouts will be available describing heat illness, dehydration and exercise intensity, proper clothing and appropriate rest while exercising in extreme heat
  3. Signage will be placed around the building reminding patrons of the signs of heat illness and the precautions necessary to prevent these conditions.

Heat Index of 88-94 – Limit intense exercise for all individuals

Andrews Student Recreation & Wellness Center is OPEN for informal recreation:

  1. When the Apparent Temperature reaches 88 degrees (F), the Intern will then suspend all formal activity in that area; until such time that the Apparent Temperature falls below 87 degrees.
  2. Staff will monitor the activity of patrons in other areas and provide reminders about proper hydration, proper exercise intensity, proper clothing and appropriate rest while exercising in extreme heat
  3. Handouts will be available describing heat illness, dehydration and exercise intensity, proper clothing and appropriate rest while exercising in extreme heat
  4. Signage will be placed around the building reminding patrons of the signs of heat illness and the precautions necessary to prevent these conditions
  • Intramural Sports programs are CANCELLED
  • Group X, Nutrition, Fitness Assessments and all other Fitness & Wellness programs are CANCELLED
  • Special programs with campus and community organizations to include (but not limited to) High Ropes and Team Building are CANCELLED

Heat Index of 95 or above – Cancel exercise for all individuals

  • Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center activity spaces are CLOSED
  • All Campus Recreation programming/activities are CANCELED

NOAA's National Weather Service Heat Index Chart

The Department uses ACSM recommendation of 60% Relative Humidity and 88 (◦F) when determining stages.


Communications

In event that the closing is specific to the Department of Campus Recreation, the department has several tools to communicate to students and employees in the event of a program cancelations or closing of the facility.

Students and members should be familiar with each of these tools so they can seek out the most up to date information. Among the communications tools:

  • Department of Campus Recreation Website - Campus Recreation and Wellness Center
  • Social Media(Facebook and Twitter)
  • Signage on entrance doors and at front desk
  • MyYSU portal. Messages will be posted in the “Campus Announcements”
  • Andrews phone message will be updated