Wind Chill Warning Issued, Extremely Cold Temperatures Expected

The City of Syracuse is currently under a Wind Chill Warning, which is expected to remain in effect until 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 21. The latest information from the National Weather Service indicates that wind chills could get as low as 30 below zero and wind gusts as high as 35 miles per hour, causing blowing and drifting snow.

As such, Syracuse University’s Office of Health Services and the Department of Public Safety are reminding students, faculty and staff about steps they can take to stay safe during this inclement weather, including:

• Dress to stay warm and dry, including wearing a hat, a scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth, sleeves that are snug at the wrist, mittens (they are warmer than gloves), water-resistant coat and shoes, several layers of loose-fitting clothing.
• Do not ignore shivering. It’s an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors.
• Avoid ice. Take the time to carefully walk around icy ground. Choose footwear that will enable you to “get a grip.”
• Be cautious about travel. Before driving, check for weather advisories. Avoid traveling on ice-covered roads if at all possible. If you must travel, try to travel with a friend, and take a cell phone with you.

Finally, if you’re travelling across campus, be aware of and take advantage of resources available to you:

• Before heading outside, check the bus schedule to limit the time you spend outside. You can review the schedule, by visiting centro.org/colleges/syracuse-university.
• And, as always, DPS escorts are available by calling 315.443.SAFE. To learn more about the Safety Escort Program, visit syr.edu/services-resources/safety-escort-program/.

To learn more about winter weather preparedness, visit the Department of Public Safety’s website or SU Health Services’ Winter Health page.