West Virginia will see bitterly cold weather beginning Sunday evening (Jan. 19) with temperatures dipping into the single digits or lower, and negative wind chill factors predicted in some areas into next week, according to the latest forecasts.
Now and throughout the winter months, WVU officials urge students, faculty and staff to be prepared to avoid the dangers of frostbite and hypothermia, and to protect residences and reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
“If you have to be outside during extremely cold temperatures, make sure you cover exposed skin such as fingers, toes, your nose and ears, and wear multiple layers,” Dr. Carmen Burrell, medical director of Student Health Services and Urgent Care, said. “Minimize your time outdoors, and make sure to take into account the wind chill which makes the air temperature feel even colder.”
She and other health officials warn frostbite can happen in minutes and can affect any area of exposed skin, which is why multiple layers of clothing are recommended.
“Not only should you cover your head with a hat, scarf or other warm layer, but you also lose heat through other exposed skin areas,” Tyler Quinn, assistant professor in the School of Public Health, added.
“Your body dissipates heat based on the surface area of your skin, so you certainly do lose heat through your head, but it’s no different than any other skin on your body. Your head accounts for about 9% of your body’s skin surface area, so you lose about 9% of your heat through your head. Make sure you cover your entire body with layers, including all exposed skin areas.”
Here are some key points to remember from Student Health, University Police, Facilities Management and other campus units.
Venturing out
In times of extreme weather, monitor the forecast and stay indoors, if travel is not necessary.
If you must leave your residence, layer your clothing. Wear multiple thin layers instead of one thick one, with a base layer that wicks moisture away from your skin, an insulating middle layer, and a windproof outer layer.
Choose appropriate materials. Opt for wool or synthetic fleece materials that retain heat well.
Cover extremities. Wear a hat, scarf, gloves or mittens, and warm socks to protect your head, neck, hands and feet.
Stay dry. Avoid getting wet as damp clothing can significantly reduce your body temperature.
Protect exposed skin. Cover your face with a scarf or mask in extremely cold conditions.
Travel with a fully charged phone.
Depending on the situation, it usually is better to call 911 for assistance rather than walk in extreme temperatures to seek help.
Traveling
If you must travel, make sure your vehicle is winterized with appropriate antifreeze and check that your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.
Keep cold weather gear in your car for emergencies, such as extra warm clothing and blankets.
Have extra warm clothing, a flashlight, glass scraper, shovel, traction aids, extra food and water, a cell phone charger and first aid kit available in case your vehicle breaks down.
Let someone know your exact travel route, and when you leave and arrive.
Depending on the situation, it usually is better to call 911 for assistance rather than walk in extreme temperatures to seek help.
Protecting your residence
Have enough heat in your residence.
If supplemental heat is needed use UL-approved devices or electric heaters. Learn about heating dangers from WVU Extension Service.
Do not warm your residence with open flames such as gas stove burners, ovens or a propane gas grill.
Any fuel burning devices must be properly vented to the outside.
If you are having heating problems, call your landlord.
Protecting your water pipes
Take precautions to protect your residence from frozen or busted pipes by keeping the heat on at all times.
If water pipes are not well insulated, leave water on to allow a slow, but steady drip. Flowing water, even at a drip, can help keep pipes from freezing or bursting.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate and access water pipes.
If pipes freeze, gently warm with a hair dryer. Do not use handheld propane blow torches to warm frozen pipes.
Protecting campus buildings
Keep the heat on in campus buildings and ensure all windows are sealed shut.
Do not prop open exterior doors.
If you encounter any issues on campus, call the Facilities Management Help Line at 304-293-4357.
Students should inform and work with their instructors and work supervisors regarding expected absences due to weather. Faculty should also make every effort to notify students in advance if they need to cancel class.
A declaration of a weather emergency by the governor does not automatically close WVU campuses or offices. If officials decide to cancel or delay classes or close the University, students and employees will be informed through a variety of outlets including:
WVU Alert system
Email
Unews and students.wvu.edu
MOUNTAINEER E-News and enews.wvu.edu
Social media channels
The WVU community is encouraged to review the University’s inclement weather policy and procedures.