Jan. 28, 2019
The University of Missouri wants students, faculty and staff to be prepared for inclement weather.
Here are some tips for how to dress to stay warm and avoid frostbite and hypothermia.
Experts recommend adults wear:
- A hat, 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 boots
- Several layers of loose-fitting clothing
How to layer-up:
- Inner Layer: Wear fabrics that will hold more body heat and don’t absorb moisture. Wool, silk or polypropylene will hold more body heat than cotton.
- Insulation Layer: An insulation layer will help you retain heat by trapping air close to your body. Natural fibers, like wool or goose down or a classic fleece work best.
- Outer Layer: The outermost layer helps protect you from wind, rain, and snow. It should be tightly woven, and preferably be water and wind resistant to reduce loss of body heat.
Avoid frostbite and hypothermia
Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers and toes.
- Signs — Numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin
- Actions — Go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm. Do not massage affected areas or use a heating pad.
Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.
- Signs — Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness
- Action — Go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first — chest, neck, head and groin. Keep dry and wrapped in warm blankets, including the head and neck.
In either case, it’s important to see a medical provider as soon as possible.
There are no plans to close campus, delay opening or cancel classes. Additionally, the Division of Student Affairs has reached out to the apartment complexes and confirmed that private shuttle service to campus will be running this week.
If a decision is made to close campus, delay opening or cancel classes, we will send an MU Alert to faculty, staff and students. If you anticipate missing class or work because of the cold weather, contact your instructor or supervisor and inquire how you can make up any missed work.
