Snow Removal & Ice Control

Overview

When a storm develops, Facilities and Real Estate Services will enact it's snow removal plan in coordination with the Division of Public Safety and the Department of Transportation and Parking, to ensure that the needs of the University community are met. Each storm presents its own challenges with regards to snow removal and ice control. Some of these challenges are dictated by the time of day, whether school is in session , or not in session, the temperature, the mix of snow and ice and the rate of accumulation. On occasion, there may be a perception that major clearing and de-icing is not being performed, or is being neglected... this is not the case. Facilities and Real Estate Services typicaly have a complement of between twenty-five to one hundred and fifty people on site, either preparing for, or actively servicing the campus during a storm, depending on the parameters associated with the storm.

The campus area of coverage ranges from 31st Street to 40th Street and from Chestnut Street to University Avenue and the river, with several outlying areas included. Large pieces of equipment service the main east/west and north/south University owned roads and walkways. Secondary and tertiary pathways that support the main roads/walkways and campus buildings, are serviced through the seven defined Urban Park areas. Building entrances are serviced by the building housekeeping staff. All City and State roads are serviced by City and State crews and resources and City/State operations are not coordinated with University operations.

Anyone with a question or with a service need for University snow or ice control, or any other Facilities and Real Estate Services need, may contact the Operations Call Center at 215.898.7208.

Weather Emergency Information

During inclement weather periods, the University does post messages concerning it's operating conditions. This information may be obtained through a voice messaging system at 215.898.MELT. Additionaly, there are two (2) radio broadcast closing, code numbers. They are #102 for University day classes and offices, and #2102 for University evening classes. Current and forecast weather conditions my be obtained at AccuWeather.com

University day classes and offices: closing code number	102
University evening classes: closing code number	2102
University snow closing information	215.898.6358 (215.898.MELT)

Other Contact Information

University of Pennsylvania Police	215.898.7297
University of Pennsylvania Police EMERGENCY	511
Philadelphia Police or Fire EMERGENCY	911
Department of Transportation and Parking	215.898.8667