With temperatures starting out the day (Dec. 15) in the single digits and teens, WVU officials are advising 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.
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.
Find more winter clothing tips at WVUToday.
• 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.
Traveling
• If you must travel while weather is hitting, 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.
Safety, preparedness and training resources are posted at police.wvu.edu.
Students and employees are encouraged to follow the WVU Safety and Wellness Facebook page as well as @WVUsafety on X and @WVUsafetyofficial on Instagram, and download the LiveSafe app and allow push notifications for the latest safety information.