SEVERE WINTER STORMS
 Severe winter storms bring heavy snow, ice, strong winds, and freezing
rains. Winter storms can delay or prevent employees and students from
reaching the university, leading to a temporary disruption of
administrative functions and classes until roads and parking areas can
be cleared. Heavy snow and ice can also cause structural damage or
power outages.
During the winter storm season, all personnel should
listen to local forecasts to determine any impact the weather may have
on their schedule. The following terms are used to describe the
predicted weather.
Winter Storm Outlook: This is a statement
issued when there is a chance of a major winter storms from 3 to 5
days in the future. This is meant to assist people with their
long-range plans. However, since the outlook is issued so far in
advance, the accuracy of the prediction may be limited.
 Winter Storm Watch: This means there may be
hazardous winter weather due to various elements such as heavy snow,
sleet, or ice accumulation from freezing rain. In our region, heavy
snow means 7 inches or more of accumulation in 24 hours or less. A
"WATCH" is a long-range prediction. They are issued at least 12 hours
before the hazardous winter weather is expected to begin. When the
storm becomes imminent, or has a high probability of occurring, the
watch will be upgraded to a "WARNING".
Winter Storm Warning: This is issued when a
dangerous combination of heavy snow, with sleet and/or freezing rain,
will occur or has a high probability of occurring within the next 12
hours.
 Winter Weather Advisory: This is issued for a
combination of snow, sleet, and/or freezing rain. Advisories, in
general, are issued for weather conditions that are expected to cause
significant inconveniences and may be hazardous; these situations are
normally not life threatening if caution is exercised.
Blizzard Warning: Large amounts of falling or
blowing snow and sustained winds of at least 35 MPH are expected for
several hours.
Traveler's Advisory: Indicates that severe
winter conditions may make driving difficult or dangerous.
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WHAT TO DO
 Personnel who
must remain outdoors for considerable lengths of time should do the
following:
Dress warmly. Wear loose-fitting, layered,
light-weight clothing. Layers can be removed to prevent perspiration
and chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellant.
Mittens are warmer than gloves because fingers generate warmth when
they touch each other.
 Stretch before you go out. If you go out to
shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body. Also
take frequent breaks.
Cover your mouth. Protect your lungs from
extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors. Try not to
speak unless absolutely necessary.
Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts an
added strain on the heart. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration.
 Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to
prevent loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulation
value and transmits heat rapidly. Be aware of Frostbite and
Hypothermia Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure that can
permanently damage its victims. A loss of feeling and a white or pale
appearance in fingers, toes, or nose and ear lobes are symptoms of
frostbite.
Hypothermia is a condition brought on when
the body temperature drops to less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech,
memory lapses, frequent stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion.
 If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected,
begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance.
Warm the person's trunk first. Use your own body heat to help. Arms
and legs should be warmed last because stimulation of the limbs can
drive cold blood to the heart and lead to heart failure. Put the
person in dry clothing and completely wrap them with a blanket.
 Never give a frostbite or hypothermia victim
something with caffeine or alcohol in it. Caffeine, a stimulant, can
cause the heart to beat faster and hasten the effects that the cold
has on the body. Alcohol, a depressant, can slow the heart and also
hasten the ill effects of cold body temperatures.
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