“When you add high winds to the mix, disaster can result,” according to the FMO office. “We have had doors that do not close all the way because of snow and ice, windows in offices that are left open, and dorm room windows that are opened to let in a breath of fresh air and never closed.” Everyone is urged to close windows and keep them closed during the extreme cold. “Our buildings all have heating/cooling, fire sprinkler, and lab cooling systems that can easily freeze up when subjected to subfreezing temperatures,” the office says. Severe cold can take a toll on buildings as well as people, according to the University’s Facilities Management & Operations. If you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Signs of hypothermia (a dangerously low body temperature) include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. Anyone with these symptoms should call Student Health Services at 61. The symptoms of frostbite include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, earlobes, and the tip of the nose. In extreme cold, frostbite can happen in less than a minute, and wind makes the risk that much greater. Cover all exposed skin and watch for frostbite (freezing of the skin and underlying tissues). Be sure that your outer layer is tightly woven and windproof. Most important is dressing correctly for the severe cold: wear several layers of warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. BU staff and students-especially those unaccustomed to a cold climate-are urged to review the cold weather precautions listed on the city of Boston safety webpage.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |