Wind Chill Warning in effect Dec. 21 to Dec. 23 (Updated: 8 a.m., Dec 21)

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Warning in effect from 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, through 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23. Additionally, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 4 p.m. Thursday to 9 a.m. Friday.

Dangerously cold wind chills – down to 50 degrees below zero – are possible.  The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in less than 5 minutes.

Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, wear appropriate clothing, including a hat and gloves.

A mass of cold air will remain over northeast Colorado through Sunday with temperatures staying below freezing, according to the NWS. Up to 3 inches of snow could accumulate Thursday into Friday.

Behind the arctic front, temperatures will plummet, dropping below zero on the plains Wednesday night and likely remaining near or below zero through the day Thursday and into Friday morning. Temperatures will gradually moderate this weekend.

CSU weather closure protocols are outlined in a Source article.

High Wind Warning for Dec. 1

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for  the I-25 corridor north of Fort Collins.

Winter Weather Advisory for Larimer County below 6,000 feet in effect from 11 p.m. yesterday to 2 p.m. today, Nov. 29.

Northwest winds 30-40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected, with the strongest winds north of Fort Collins. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Isolated power outages are possible.

CSU weather closure protocols are outlined in a Source article.

Winter Weather Advisory Nov. 28-29 (Update: 5 a.m., Nov. 29)

Colorado State University campuses in Larimer County are operating as normal today.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Larimer County below 6,000 feet in effect from 11 p.m. yesterday to 2 p.m. today, Nov. 29.

Total snow accumulation is expected to be between 3 and 8 inches. About 3 inches fell overnight. Roads are icy and snow packed and caution is advised while driving. CSU Facilities crews are clearing campus and some icy spots persist. Please use caution traversing campus.

Poudre School District and Thompson School District have announced two-hour delays in operations on Tuesday. Employees and students who are impacted by school district operation delays are asked to contact their supervisors or instructors to make arrangements.

CSU weather closure protocols are outlined in a Source article.

Colorado State University open Nov. 18; Use caution traveling

Colorado State University campuses are open and operational today, Nov. 18.

CSU crews have been and remain working to clear campus roads and sidewalks. Icy conditions due exist, so please use extra caution when traversing campus walkways and entering buildings.

City of Fort Collins and Larimer County crews have been clearing roadways, focusing on major arterials. Icy, snow-packed conditions are reported throughout the area and extra caution while driving is advised.

Students who are unable to make it to classes today should contact their instructor to make alternative arrangements. Employees who cannot travel to a CSU campus for work today should contact their supervisor.

Structure fire destroys one cabin at Colorado State University Mountain Campus

A structure fire destroyed a cabin at Colorado State University’s Mountain Campus on Friday, Oct. 28. One CSU employee suffered a burn injury and was treated at the scene.

The fire in Cabin 4 was reported at 11:45 a.m. and fire crews from Glacier View Fire Protection District, Poudre Canyon Fire Protection District, Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department and Red Feather Lakes Fire Protection District all responded. The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado State University Police Department also responded to the Mountain Campus. Cabin 4 is deemed to be a total loss.

The scene was cleared at 4:03 p.m. Cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

No students were on campus and the remaining employees are in the process of winterizing. There is no further risk to the Mountain Campus and surrounding area.

Test of emergency system on Wednesday, Sept. 28

This is a test of the CSU emergency email system. There currently is not an emergency on a campus.

During an emergency you may receive information through emails, text messages, online (www.safety.colostate.edu, the university’s primary information source about safety and safety issues, as well as www.source.colostate.edu), or through other communications.

Students may register for the university text alert system through RamWeb at http://www.ramweb.colostate.edu. Employees may register at https://aar.is.colostate.edu/. The university usually does not send emergency messages to students or employees unless there is a specific emergency within or very near the physical boundaries of a campus and the emergency is an unresolved, ongoing threat to the university community.

To learn more about the university’s emergency response procedures, visit www.safety.colostate.edu.

 

Thank you,

Colorado State University Public Safety Team

Bear reported on Main Campus

Sept. 16

10:30 a.m. – CSU All Clear: The Division of Wildlife has safely removed the bear without injury from the tree on the Oval. The bear will be relocated away from campus and the city.

8:27 a.m. – CSU Alert: CSUPD and Division of Wildlife are on scene with bear in a tree on north end of Oval near Ammons Hall. Do not go to that area to allow officials to calmly and safety remove the bear.

Gas leak reported in Durrell Center

August 31, 2022

9:22 p.m. CSU Alert: A gas leak has been reported in the Durrell Center. Building is evacuated. Stay out of the building until cleared by first responders. No injuries have been reported.

Sept 1, 5:45 a.m. CSU All Clear: Durrell Center gas leak is resolved. Durrell is open.

Aug. 24

Incident near Rec Center on Wednesday, Aug. 24

Colorado State University Police Department this morning responded to a call of a male who threatened two of our students with a knife near the Rec Center on Main Campus.

Students called police to report an incident between a male suspect, who is not a student or an employee, and two students. The suspect threatened the two students with a knife.

The male visitor asked a female student who was walking near the Rec Center for directions to another campus location, and then began yelling at her. The male suspect then approached the female student and grabbed her by the arm while continuing to yell at her. A bystander student intervened on her behalf. The suspect threatened the two students with a knife and walked away. The students were not injured.

The first 9-1-1 call came into CSUPD dispatch at 9:55 a.m., and officers were on scene at 9:58 a.m. With the help of students who had witnessed the altercation, officers quickly identified the suspect.

All CSUPD officers receive extensive, specialized training in de-escalation and crisis intervention training. Officers used those tactics to calm the suspect and arrested him without further incident.

No one was injured in the incident.

The suspect was arrested and charged with felony menacing, harassment and false imprisonment and was transported to the Larimer County Jail.

The students who were victims in this interaction were provided with information about resources to help them by CSU police officers.

“This was a serious situation and our officers want to thank all of the bystanders who helped our students targeted by this individual,” said Jay Callaghan, chief of police for CSUPD. “Today demonstrated that Rams taking care of each other can make a significant difference when someone is in danger. While this situation is not the norm on our campuses and was very unusual, the quick thinking of bystanders and the de-escalation skills used by our officers made a significant difference in the outcome of this incident.”

During the incident, other area police agencies and the Larimer County SWAT team were at Canvas Stadium for an annual walk through of the grounds before fall sports begin; their vehicles parked near the incident were unrelated to the police response to this threat.

July 28, 2022

Incident near Foothills Campus

All clear Aug. 2: Please see this press release from Larimer County Sheriff’s Office regarding the arrest of the suspect in the shooting near the Foothills Campus on July 28: https://www.larimer.gov/spotlights/2022/07/28/update-juvenile-wanted-attempted-murder.

Updated July 29, 9 a.m. –  Larimer County Sheriff’s Office has issued an update on last night’s shooting near the Foothill Campus. Details, suspect photo and description: https://www.larimer.gov/spotlights/2022/07/28/juvenile-wanted-attempted-murder.

Update 6:05 p.m. – Larimer County Sheriff Dept has reopened Overland Trail. Police continue to monitor situation. More info will be provided if and when it becomes available.

Update – 5:40 p.m.: Larimer County Sheriff Office has informed CSUPD that the initial suspect description may not be accurate and a description is not known at this time.

CSU Alert: Larimer County Sheriff Department responding to shooting in a neighborhood near Overland Trail and Mulberry by the Foothills Campus. Suspect wearing black pants & black hoodie, believed to be armed. Call 911 if seen. Avoid area.

July 18, 2022

Courtesy warning regarding Fort Collins Police Services investigation

Dear students, faculty and staff,

To assist Fort Collins Police Services with an important ongoing investigation, we ask that you please see their press release (https://www.fcgov.com/news/?id=8291) regarding a man who has been arrested for trying to break into an off-campus apartment in Fort Collins.

Fort Collins police believe that he may have tried to break into other apartments in the past and are asking anyone who may have information or has experienced behavior similar to that outlined in the FCPS press release to contact them at 970-221-6540 extension 7.

 

Safety Tips

  • Be aware of your surroundings – you hear this often from police and other safety officials, but paying attention to where you are and what’s happening around you is critical to identifying if your safety is at risk.
  • Keep your doors and windows locked and keep your curtains drawn.
  • Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe, get to a safe place and call or text 9-1-1 for help.
  • Use CSUPD’s free SafeWalk service if you’re on a campus anytime from dusk until dawn and want a safe escort to your car or another location within in a three block radius of a campus. https://police.colostate.edu/safe-walk/

Resources:

  • CSU student Victim’s Assistance Team is provided by the Women and Gender Advocacy Center, this team responds 24/7 to assault victims and their families and provides confidential support. Call 970-492-4242 and ask to speak with an advocate.
  • Women and Gender Advocacy Center provides confidential resources to students including academic, medical, and emotional support. Call 970-491-6384 during business hours Monday-Friday.
  • CSU Health Network provides confidential medical and emotional support services to students. Counseling Services: (970) 491-6053
  • SAVA is a community resource for sexual assault survivors.
  • The Employee Assistance Program provides mental health support to employees.
  • To report concerns, contact the Office of Title IX Program and Gender Equity  online at https://titleix.colostate.edu/, call (970) 491-1715 or email Titleix@colostate.edu.

Thank you,

The Public Safety Team

Heat Advisory – Friday, June 17

Dear staff, faculty and students,

As you may already be aware, much of the state is under a heat advisory today, which impacts our employees and students in offices and in the field across about half of Colorado. Temperatures will also be very warm today in areas not officially under the heat advisory. The heat advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. – and temperatures will stay high throughout the weekend.

  • The Front Range is under a heat advisory today for the first time in 14 years. Temperatures along the Front Range today are forecast reach up to 102 degrees.
  • The Eastern Plains will be even warmer, with temperatures near the Kansas boarder forecast to crawl up to 104 degrees.

In addition, smoke from wildfires in other states is expected to reach the Front Range area today, lowering air quality.

It is best to limit your outdoor activities today, if possible. Other safety tips include:

  • Do not leave children, older adults, individuals with disabilities or animals in a parked car, even with windows down
  • Stay hydrated and be sure pets and other animals also have plenty of water
  • Pull window shades or blinds to keep indoor temperatures lower
  • Consider checking in with others who cannot limit outdoor activities
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing

The Red Cross offers additional heat advisory tips for staying cool.

Signs that someone is overheated and may have heat exhaustion include:

  • Heavy sweating
  • Cold, pale and clammy skin
  • Fast, weak pulse
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Muscle cramps
  • Tiredness or weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Passing out

The Red Cross also offers advice for avoiding heat exhaustion and when to seek medical care for someone experiencing these symptoms. (Pets have similar signs but need specific care. See this 2019 article from CSU veterinary experts with tips still relevant for today’s heat – https://cvmbs.source.colostate.edu/never-leave-your-pet-in-a-hot-car/.)

Stay cool today, Rams, and remember that Rams take care of Rams.

The Public Safety Team

May 27: Backflow prevention device testing violation

Colorado State University will be receiving from the state of Colorado Division of Regulatory Agencies a Tier 2 violation for failure to test backflow prevention devices. These tests are a requirement for all public drinking water systems. As a water provider, CSU is required to provide notice of any violations associated with the drinking water system to the entire campus community served by the water system that had the violation. All backflow prevention devices are now in compliance and our drinking water is safe.

CSU operates several water systems on our campuses. The system affected by this violation is known as Main & West and includes Main Campus and University Village Apartments and offices. We conduct regular testing on these systems, including coliform, chlorine, disinfection byproducts, lead and copper analyses, and backflow prevention devices (BFP). BFP devices are required to be tested once per year.

CSU has 476 total backflow prevention devices on its Main and West system. We received a violation because our water system did not test 49 of these devices in 2021 within 90 days. We completed the testing of these missed devices in 119 days. In 2021, we tested 427 devices, and by May 17, 2022, we tested 476 devices (100%).

As required by the state, all members of the campus community on Main and West Campus are to be notified.

CSU tests the water quality on its Fort Collins campuses at 30 representative locations every month. These tests are for chlorine levels in the water. The tests also include a check for any coliform bacteria in the water. CSU also tests for lead and copper in the drinking water at 30 locations every three years (conducted annually through 2021), and for disinfection byproducts at four locations quarterly. About every two years, as dictated by US EPA, we conduct Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring to assist the US EPA in identifying new contaminants that might need to be regulated in drinking water.

FAQs for Notices on Backflow Prevention Testing Device Violation

Why am I receiving this notice? As a water provider, CSU is required to provide notice of any violations associated with the drinking water system to the entire campus community served by the water system that had the violation.

What are the state’s requirements for testing? CSU operates several water systems on our campuses.  The system affected by this violation is known as Main & West and includes Main Campus and University Village Apartments and offices.  We conduct regular testing on these systems, including coliform, chlorine, disinfection byproducts, lead and copper analyses, and backflow prevention devices (BFP). BFP devices are required to be tested once per year.

What is a backflow device?  Backflow preventers (BFP) are testable assemblies that work like one way valves.  They are typically located where the water pipe(s) enter the building. If there is a backflow event in a building, a BFP device contains that problem to that building by not letting water flow backwards into the water mains. This video explains the purpose of a backflow prevention device.

What does testing backflow devices entail/determine?  Backflow assemblies are tested annually to make sure all the seals are good and that there is no leakage that would allow water to flow backwards through the device.

How many devices were not tested by the 2021 deadline? 49

How many total devices does CSU maintain on the Main & West system? 476

How many are not in current compliance? None – All of the devices that missed the testing deadline were tested by May 17, 2022

Who is receiving this notice/how is it being distributed?  As required by the state, all members of the campus community on Main and West Campus are being notified.  Residents living on campus received a hard copy, while academic buildings received postings in places where water is used (like breakrooms).

Who can I contact if I have questions/concerns?  Susanne Cordery, 970-567-1065, Susanne.cordery@colostate.edu

How does CSU test its drinking water? CSU tests the water quality on its Fort Collins campuses at 30 representative locations every month.  These tests are for chlorine levels in the water. The tests also include a check for any coliform bacteria in the water.  CSU also tests for lead and copper in the drinking water at 30 locations every three years (conducted annually through 2021), and for disinfection byproducts at four locations quarterly. About every two years, as dictated by US EPA, we conduct Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring to assist the US EPA in identifying new contaminants that might need to be regulated in drinking water. 

What buildings are involved in this notice? All of the buildings on the Main and West Campus that are served by the CSU drinking water distribution system.  Note that there are a handful of buildings on campus (i.e. Routt Hall) that are served directly by City water mains and are not included in this notification.

When will be issue be resolved?  All devices are now in compliance.  The BFP devices that were not tested in 2021 were tested by May 17, 2022, so the issue has been resolved.

April 21: Extreme fire danger expected tomorrow

Dear university community,

Our emergency management office has been notified of concern for wildfire tomorrow, Friday, April 22, due to extremely dry conditions and forecasted high winds. The National Weather Service forecasts strong winds in the area of up to 60 miles per hour, particularly after mid-afternoon and into the evening.

Any fires would rapidly spread during such windy and dry conditions, and would be difficult, if not impossible, to control.

The National Weather Service also advises to avoid travel east of Denver Friday afternoon, beginning at 2 p.m., if possible, through the evening due to the potential of blowing dust causing low visibility.

During periods of high fire danger, please take extra precautions to avoid inadvertently starting a wildfire.

  • Do not start a campfire if you go camping.
  • Many wildfires are started when people drive vehicles on roads that are not paved or over grass or weeds. Vehicle exhausts can reach more than 1,000 degrees – do not drive or park over dry grass or weeds. Vehicles can also shoot sparks from their exhaust. If you must drive in a grassy area, carry a shovel and fire extinguisher.
  • Do not pull your vehicle into a grassy area on the side of a road. Stay on a paved shoulder.
  • Do not burn trash, leaves or any materials.
  • Use extreme caution when using equipment such as chainsaws, grinding tools, welders, etc. Do not use these tools near dry grass, weeds or trees.
  • Do not set off fireworks or shoot firearms.
  • Do not burn candles or burn fires in firepits, outdoor fireplaces, barrels, etc.
  • Do not mow or trim dry grass during this period of fire danger.
  • Dispose of cigarettes, cigars and other similar items in an ashtray.

If you see a wildfire start or burning, call or text 911 immediately with as much information as possible.

If strong winds are present, please also use caution when driving and walking near trees; be on the lookout for breaking limbs.

Stay safe. Thank you,

The Public Safety Team

College Ave southbound traffic closure

April 12 6:40 p.m.: Southbound traffic is closed on College Ave at Lake St. due to a tree blown over by strong winds. Please avoid area and use alternative route.

University on regular schedule on Feb. 3

Dear students, faculty and staff,

Colorado State University will be on a regular academic and operational schedule  on Thursday, Feb. 3.

This week’s storm has created areas where travel is challenging, and several local school districts have announced that they are opening tomorrow on a delayed start schedule.

Please treat this as you would any other personal situation and contact your instructors or supervisor to discuss if you are unable to make scheduled work or academic activities.

We ask supervisors and instructors to use good judgment in accommodating employees and students who may have a difficult or long commute or who may be impacted by child care needs due to school district schedules.

Please be cautious while traveling to, from and around campuses and consider using public transportation instead of driving.

For more information about how the university determines a weather closure, seehttps://source.colostate.edu/university-guidelines-weather-closure/.

Thank you,

The Public Safety Team

Closing Feb. 2 due to forecast

CSU is closing and canceling all operations Wednesday, Feb. 2. All in-person, hybrid and remote classes and operations (meetings, work functions) are closed or canceled for all Larimer County campuses.

  

This closure is based on forecasts that include a period of below zero temperatures that may impact travel, public transportation, and other operation. The forecast is also calling for increasing snow as forecasts evolve. In addition, several local school districts have already closed for the day in anticipation of extreme cold and a relatively significant amount of snow, creating childcare challenges for employees and students.

 

This closure includes all COVID screening and testing sites. The vaccine clinic scheduled at Moby is also postponed.

 

For more information about weather related decisions and how they are communicated, see https://source.colostate.edu/university-guidelines-weather-closure/. 

 

CSU employees with essential or emergency duties should coordinate with their supervisors or directors to determine their work status. These employees may include, but are not limited to, CSU Police, Facilities Management, Housing & Dining, Environmental Health Services, the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Diagnostic Laboratories, and student-facing services. 

 

The university closure generally extends to employees who are assigned to a Larimer County campus and who are working on site or remotely today; however employees who work remotely should refer to the teleworking policy at http://policylibrary.colostate.edu/policy.aspx?id=776 and their memorandums of understanding with their units for more information about their work obligations during a university closure. Remote employees with essential duties, for example, may be required to continue to work from their remote location.  

 

Check www.safety.colostate.edu for updates on the status of operations at the university. Information also will be available on local media outlets and CSU’s social media networks. 

 

Please watch local news outlets and local agency websites for information about travel and continue to avoid all travel while driving conditions are becoming dangerous. Unless you are required to be on a campus, please do not report to university grounds. Parked cars (other than those in designated residence hall lots) on campuses during and immediately after storms make it extremely difficult for Facilities Management crews to clear snow from parking lots and streets. 

Jan. 19, 9 p.m.: CSU on late start schedule, Thursday, Jan. 20

Dear students, faculty and staff,

CSU is opening on a late start on Thursday, Jan. 20. All in-person, hybrid and remote classes, labs, events, work activities and meetings scheduled to begin before 10 a.m. are canceled. All in-person, hybrid and remote classes, labs, events, work activities and meetings scheduled to start at or after 10 a.m. will be held at their normal times.

This late start applies to all Larimer County campuses.

This decision was based on information from weather forecasts for mid-morning tomorrow. In addition, Facilities crews will work overnight and early tomorrow morning to sand roads, sidewalks and parking lots. Starting late will provide them with additional time to address conditions on campuses.

Be careful when traveling to and around campuses; conditions should be much improved by late start, but some icy patches may remain.

If you feel you cannot travel to campuses safely, please contact your professors or supervisor to make arrangements.

Closure information is also available at safety.colostate.edu.

Information for faculty and staff

  • All regular employees who are scheduled to work are granted administrative leave for their normal work hours during this closure.
  • Temporary hourly and student employees are not eligible for paid leave during this closure.
  • Employees who are already on leave, such as on sick, annual or other leave, will not be paid additional administrative leave for the period of this closure.
  • Human Resources will message to supervisors and Human Resources community members within units with more information about how to manage leave for employees.

Employees with essential emergency duties

  • CSU employees with essential emergency duties should coordinate with their supervisors or directors to determine their work status and whether they need to report to work earlier than the late start as scheduled.
  • Human Resources will message to supervisors and Human Resources community members within units with more information about how to enter time for employees with essential emergency duties.
  • Employees with essential emergency duties include, but are not limited to, CSU Police, Facilities Management, Housing & Dining Services, Environmental Health Services, the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Diagnostic Laboratories.

 

Thank you,

The Public Safety Team

Jan. 19, 2022, 12:30 p.m.: CSU is closing at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, due to deteriorating weather conditions, forecasts and information about icy conditions on and off campuses. Classes that are not already in session are canceled immediately to prevent students and employees from traveling to campus, and to give time for travel home. All in-person, hybrid and remote classes and operations (meetings, work functions, events) are closed or canceled for all Larimer County campuses.

Please give yourself time to get home and considering leaving campuses between now and 3 p.m., when the closure goes into effect. Conditions on campuses are icy and Facilities Management is working clear walkways and roads of ice, but temperatures will remain below freezing and will drop as evening approaches.

As you leave campuses by vehicle, please watch for pedestrians.

  • CSUPD is on accident alert. This means that if there is an accident on university property and it does NOT involve an injury, serious damage to a vehicle or property, or a possibly impaired driver, you should exchange information with the other driver and make a report online at https://dmv.colorado.gov/report-accident. Fort Collins Police Services is also on accident alert.
  • Transfort has temporarily suspended bus services across the city, including Around the Horn and the foothills campus shuttle, and will reevaluate their status at 1 p.m. For up-to-the-minute updates from Transfort, see http://ridetransfort.com/.
    • Please use the bus tracker online or on the Transfort app to watch for the arrival of your bus or shuttle; Transfort advises that service will be slow.
    • The first floor of the north side of Lory Student Center will remain open through the afternoon so students and employees can wait for their buses or make arrangements for rides home, if needed.

Our Public Safety Team is monitoring the National Weather Service forecast, and the winter weather advisory is currently scheduled to expire at 8 p.m. The men’s basketball game vs New Mexico, which starts at 8 p.m., will proceed as scheduled due to the expiration of the weather advisory, but fans are encouraged to consider weather conditions before traveling to the game.

Closure information also is available at www.safety.colostate.edu.

CSU employees with emergency duties are asked to coordinate with their supervisors or directors to determine their work status. Emergency employees include, but are not limited to, CSU Police, Facilities Management, Housing, Environmental Health Services, the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Diagnostic Laboratories.

Jan. 19, 2022: Icy conditions

Fort Collins is on accident alert due to a layer of ice on roads; walk ways are also icy. As you go about your day, please take it slow. We encourage supervisors and instructors to be flexible due to the extra time it may take to get to and around campuses. Our Facilities Management team is working diligently to address icy spots on campuses, however, temperatures today will remain cold to icy spots are likely to remain throughout the day.

Jan. 6, 2022: CSU Open on regular schedule

CSU will be open on a regular schedule today. Please use caution when traveling to campuses and when driving and walking on campuses. The city and county indicate that road crews are keeping up with clearing roads, but some travel may be difficult.

There is a wind chill advisory in place until 9 a.m. School districts are running on a two-hour delayed start, so we encourage supervisors and instructors to be flexible when working with employees and students who may need to start their day after their children arrive at school.

If you feel you cannot get to a campus due to weather and road conditions, please treat this as you would any other personal emergency and contact your instructors or supervisor to discuss your situation.