Like most of the country, Morgantown will see bitterly cold weather in the next few days, with a winter weather advisory in effect until 4 a.m. Tuesday with a predicted 2-5 inches of snow.

West Virginia University typically remains open and operates as normal during inclement weather. Any changes will be announced through MIX, social media, local news outlets and WVU’s emergency alert system.

WVU officials urge students to be prepared to avoid the dangers of frostbite and hypothermia. These conditions can occur in a matter of minutes with the predicted air temperatures of 5 to 10 below zero.

Consider these precautions:

• Travel with a fully charged phone.
• Make sure your vehicle is winterized with appropriate antifreeze.
• Let someone know your exact travel route and when you leave and arrive.
• Have cold-weather clothing in your vehicle including hats, gloves, coat and shoes in case your vehicle breaks down. Also include water and snacks.
• Depending on situation, it usually is better to call 911 for assistance rather than walk in extreme temperatures to seek help.
• If you must leave your residence, wear several layers of clothing and cover as much of your face.
• Do not warm your residence with open flames such as stove burners, ovens or gas grills.
• Any fuel-burning devices must be properly vented to the outside.
• If you are having heating problems, call your landlord. If you have difficulty getting a response, contact the WVU attorney for students in E. Moore Hall (304-293-4897). If the apartment is inside the city limits, you may call the City of Morgantown Code Enforcement office (304-284-7401).
• If water pipes are not well insulated, consider leaving 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. If pipes freeze, gently warm them with a hair dryer; do not use hand-held propane blowtorches to warm frozen pipes.

-WVU-

ta/1/16/15

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