Purdue preparedness officials urge precautions during cold, harsh winter months

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue emergency preparedness officials urge the university community, particularly students from year-round warmer climates, to be aware of weather-related safety precautions to take during the winter months.

"We also want our students to be aware of the resources available to them, such as CityBus and the underground walking tunnels that will get them to and from the parking garages and various parts of campus," said Ron Wright, Purdue's emergency preparedness director.

Many of those information sources can be found on Purdue's Weather Preparedness page, which includes links to the National Weather Service and Weather Channel websites, a wind chill chart, a Greater Lafayette CityBus site that provides information on routes and bus stop times, a map of the campus underground pedestrian walkway system, as well as information on preparing for winter, emergency preparedness, and the university's severe weather procedures.

In order to stay warm, emergency preparedness officials urge the campus community to:

* Wear several layers of warm clothing.

* Wear a hat to prevent body heat loss from your head.

* Use mittens or gloves that fit snugly at the wrists.

* Wear boots or shoes that provide warmth and good traction on both ice and snow.

* Take Purdue underground pedestrian walkways and enclosed walkways.

* Ride CityBus, which is free to all students, staff and faculty with a Purdue ID.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and others also recommend:

* During very cold weather, those living off campus should let their faucets drip to avoid freezing pipes. Also know how to shut off water valves should a pipe burst.  Although pipes may burst in freezing weather, many times they only begin to leak as the weather warms.

* Check your car brakes, tires, heater, defroster, battery, antifreeze levels, oil levels, windshield wipers, exhaust system, lights and flashing hazard lights. Allow more time when traveling by car, and for those unfamiliar with driving on snow and ice, practice on an open parking lot. Be particularly cautious on bridges and overpasses, which can be extremely slick.

Those with cars also should consider carrying jumper cables; extra warm, brightly colored clothing; blankets; a small shovel, tow chain, pocket knife and small tools; non-clumping kitty litter, road salt or sand to aid traction; emergency flares; water and energy bars; a flashlight and batteries; and other related supplies.

Students should talk to their professors about procedures in the event of a class or lab session cancellation. Class assignments can often be submitted by email or through Blackboard.

In the event the weather is severe enough to cause disruptions in classes and other university activities, Purdue will work with local and area media to publicize the disruption. Updates also will be posted on the Campus Safety Status page.

More winter weather preparation tips; the meaning of weather alerts such as a Winter Storm Watch, Winter Storm Warning, Ice Storm Warning, and advisories; and information on frostbite and hypothermia, are available at http://www.crh.noaa.gov/images/ind/2014WintWxWk/2014_PrepWeek_Newsltr.pdf 

Writer: Jim Bush, 765-494-2077, jsbush@purdue.edu 

Source: Ron Wright, 765-494-0446, rdwright@purdue.edu