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Precautions and Tips for the Extreme Cold

February 02, 2023
Submitted By: Office of Marketing and Communication

A brief but powerful invasion of arctic cold into our area Friday into Saturday will create dangerous conditions for those who are outdoors. Wind chill temperatures (what the outside air feels like to your exposed skin with the wind factored in) at the core of the extreme cold are forecast to be as low as 30 degrees below zero, levels rarely reached in our area. At these temperatures, there is potential for frostbite on exposed skin in as little time as 15 to 30 minutes.

This type of cold also calls for preventive measures to be taken indoors. Residential students, please leave your heat on and make sure that all windows are closed—even if headed home or away for the weekend. At the predicted temperatures, pipes can freeze quickly without heat or if windows are left open.

If you must be outside for any length of time during the severe cold Friday into Saturday, here are some tips to follow:

Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves, and a hat. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens or gloves and a hat will prevent the loss of body heat.
Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from severely cold air. Avoid taking deep breaths; minimize talking.
Stay active to maintain body heat, take frequent breaks from the cold, and avoid unnecessary exposure of the skin.
Drink liquids, such as warm broth or juice, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite, which include shaking uncontrollably; getting extremely tired; turning very pale; or getting numb fingers, toes, ears, or nose. Go inside immediately if any signs are noted.


Campus Events

The location of RLPC Bingo Night on Friday, Feb. 3, has been changed to Konover Campus Center. Students should prepare to walk over in extreme cold, as detailed above.

Due to unforeseen circumstances with the weather and event vendor transportation, Winter Fest, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4, has been postponed and will be held on Sunday, Feb. 12, at the same time and place.

Emergency Contacts

In the event of an emergency, contact the Public Safety emergency number—860.768.7777—or use the LiveSafe app for a direct connection to our Public Safety officers. For non-emergency matters, the Public Safety phone number is 860.768.7985.

During normal business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), report any urgent issues in residence halls or any campus facility by calling 860.768.7925 or by emailing facilities@hartford.edu. After 5 p.m. and on weekends, urgent facilities issues should be reported to Public Safety dispatch at 860.768.7985.