Should conditions worsen during the day, administration may decide to close the University early. When such a determination is made, you will be notified through the proper channels.

• Stay safe, warm, dry and calm.
• Do not drive unnecessarily. Of deaths related to ice and snow, 70 percent occur when people are stranded in cars or involved in accidents. If you must drive, bring necessary supplies.
• Dress warm enough to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
• Do not go outside if you don’t have to.

If you are in a vehicle:

• In extreme cold or in heavy snow, stay with your car until you can be rescued. Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation.
• Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut. It also allows in fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked, which would cause dangerous fumes to back-up inside the car. Run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank.
• Make yourself visible to rescuers. To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away. Hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna. Tie a bright cloth to you antenna or door to alert rescuers.
• Turn on your dome light, at night, when running the engine.
• Raise the hood indicating trouble after snow stops falling.
• Exercise from time to time by vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.
• To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use the woolen items and blankets to keep warm.
• Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth moist.

Driving in the winter means snow, sleet, and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, hot tempers and unforeseen dangers. To help you make it safely through winter, here are some suggestions from the National Safety Council to make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared.

Weather

At any temperature—20 degrees Fahrenheit below zero or 90 degrees Fahrenheit above—weather affects road and driving conditions and can pose serious problems.

It is important to listen to forecasts on radio, TV, cable weather channel, or forecasts in the daily papers.

Your Car

Prepare your car for winter. Start with a checkup that includes:

• Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts.
• Changing and adjusting the spark plugs.
• Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve.
• Inspecting the distributor.
• Checking the battery.
• Checking the tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth.
• Checking antifreeze level and the freeze line.

Your car should have a tune-up (check the owner's manual for the recommended interval) to ensure better gas mileage, quicker starts and faster response on pick-up and passing power.

Necessary Equipment

An emergency situation on the road can arise at any time and you must be prepared. Following the tuneup, a full tank of gas, and fresh anti-freeze, your trunk should carry:

• A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack
• A shovel
• Jumper cables
• Tow and tire chains
• A bag of salt or cat litter
• Tool kit

Essential Supplies

Be prepared with a "survival kit" that should always remain in the car. Replenish after use. Essential supplies include:

• Working flashlight and extra batteries
• Reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth
• Compass
• First aid kit
• Exterior windshield cleaner
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container
• Scissors and string/cord
• Non-perishable, high energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy

In addition, if you are driving long distances under cold, snowy, and icy conditions, you should also carry supplies to keep you warm, such as heavy woolen mittens, socks, a cap, and blankets.

Winter Storm Watch

A winter storm watch is issued when there is a potential for heavy snow or significant ice accumulations, usually at least 24 to 36 hours in advance.

Winter Weather Advisory

A winter weather advisory is issued when a low pressure system produces a combination of winter weather (snow, freezing rain, sleet, etc.) that present a hazard, but does not meet warning criteria.

Winter Storm Warning

A winter storm warning indicates when a winter storm is producing or is forecast to produce heavy snow or significant ice accumulations.

Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means a greater risk for fire. Click here for a few simple tips from the NFPA to ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.