Wake Alert

Wake Alert Emergency Update

August 11, 2026 12:08 a.m.

Wake Alert Emergency Update: University Police issued a Wake Alert emergency notification about a nitrogen leak on campus after receiving reports about a leaking tank in Olin. Wake Forest staff inspected the tank and contacted the fire department, which examined it and determined it was nearly empty and operating as designed. Police and fire are no longer on scene, and there is no longer a threat to campus. Updates at wakealert.wfu.edu.

Final Notice Announcement

August 10, 2026 11:13 p.m.

Wake Alert update: Wake Forest University is operating normally. This is the final message relating to current conditions.

Hazardous Materials/Chemical Spill

August 10, 2026 10:52 p.m. (updated on August 10, 2026 11:00 p.m.)

Wake Alert Emergency: Serious nitrogen leak on campus at Olin.

Avoid the main lobby and surrounding areas until a Wake Alert update is issued.

Follow instructions from University Police and campus officials.

Police are responding.

Updates at wakealert.wfu.edu.

Community Safety Advisory Update: Wake Downtown Campus to Resume Normal Operations Tomorrow

July 29, 2026 7:59 p.m.

Community Safety Advisory Update: Water service at Wake Forest’s Downtown campus has been restored. Wake Downtown will be open at normal time tomorrow. Classes will be held as scheduled. Shuttles will run as normal. Updates at wakealert.wfu.edu.

Community Safety Advisory: Forsyth County Water Outage Impacts Wake Downtown Operations

July 29, 2026 12:35 p.m. (updated on July 29, 2026 12:54 p.m.)

Because of the county-wide water main break, Wake Forest’s Wake Downtown campus has closed. Classes affected by today's alternative operations have been notified. Shuttles will continue to run as normal.

Colleagues working on site who are not designated as essential personnel should leave the campus at the time of the closing and pivot to remote work. Supervisors of essential personnel should communicate any on-site or remote work expectations directly with their team members. If a non-exempt staff member is unable to work from home due to this disruption, they are permitted to use administrative leave for their regular scheduled hours. For more information, visit the Inclement Weather and Other Unusual Conditions Policy.

A decision regarding tomorrow’s operations will be made later after assessing conditions. The University will keep the community informed of any changes through Wake Alert notifications. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to make sure their mobile phone number is updated and to download the Wake Safe App to receive safety and the most current operational updates, schedules, and information. For updates, visit wakealert.wfu.edu. 

For additional information, visit the City of Winston-Salem’s Alert Center regarding a Winston-Salem/Forsyth County boil water notice.