Meteorologists are predicting Arctic air will drive temperatures into the low teens this week. OWU is no stranger to cold winters and we encourage you to return from break prepared by reviewing the information below. We also recommend monitoring weather forecasts along your travel route, as snowfall is likely. Motorists should exercise caution.
Here are tips from the OWU Student Health Center, Public Safety, and information from weathersafety.ohio.gov.
How to Dress During Cold Weather
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Trapped air between the layers will insulate the body. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water-repellent, and hooded.
- Wear a hat to help conserve body heat.
- Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
- Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
- Try to stay dry and out of the wind.
Alcohol Consumption during Cold Weather
Alcohol can speed up hypothermia by taking blood away from the heart, brain, and other vital organs and sending it to the skin. Please be extra careful regarding drinking behavior and watch out for one another so that intoxicated individuals are accompanied by a more sober person to ensure they get safely indoors after leaving parties, bars, or anywhere else alcohol is consumed.
What is Wind Chill Temperature?
The wind chill temperature is how cold people and animals feel when outside. Wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by wind and cold. As the wind increases, it draws heat from the body, driving down skin temperatures and eventually the internal body temperature. Therefore, the wind makes it feel much colder.
What is Hypothermia?
Hypothermia is abnormally low body temperature (below 95 degrees F). Warning signs include:
- Uncontrollable shivering
- Memory loss
- Disorientation
- Incoherence
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- Apparent exhaustion
Medical attention is needed immediately. If it is not available, begin warming the body slowly.
What is Frostbite?
Frostbite is an injury to the body when your body tissue freezes. The most susceptible parts of the body are the extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the top of the nose. Symptoms include a loss of feeling in the extremity and a white or pale appearance. Medical attention is needed immediately for frostbite. The area should be slowly re-warmed.
For the latest weather forecast and weather advisories affecting Delaware, visit the National Weather Service.
Locked Out of Your Building?
If you return to your residence hall and discover you have lost/forgotten your student ID, call a Public Safety officer at 740-368-2222. We will respond to your location and help you get back inside to a place of warmth.
Use the Campus Shield Safety App
Our safety app has a Friend Watch feature that allows people you choose to track your location and includes a timer to help them verify your safety. This feature can be life-saving in the cold. Should you become incapacitated outside, your friends can guide first responders to your exact location. Download the free app here (Android) (iOS) for access. Use your username@owu.edu email address to become part of the Ohio Wesleyan Campus Shield system.
We hope this information is helpful as you enjoy your winter break and make travel plans for the start of spring semester. Stay safe, Bishops!
Sean Bolender, MBA | SPHR | LSS-BB
Director, Clery Compliance Officer / Department of Public Safety
srbolender@owu.edu
740-368-2222 (office)