Winter Weather Preparedness

When the temperature drops, it pays to be prepared in advance. To keep yourself, your family and your homes safe, we recommend that all members of the UTSA community take the following precautions:

• Dress in layers. Wear gloves and a hat that covers your ears in order to retain body heat.
• Prepare your home by insulating exposed pipes.
• Know your winter weather terminology. If a “watch” is issued, be prepared for possible hazardous weather. If a “warning” or “advisory” is issued, be advised that hazardous weather is already occurring or will happen soon.

People, Pets, Plants and Pipes

When cold weather is imminent, remember the four P’s of cold weather preparedness:

• People: Pay special attention to children and the elderly as both are especially vulnerable to the cold.
• Pets: Bring all pets inside. If pets must be left outside, ensure they have an enclosed shelter with an entrance facing away from the wind. Provide them with plenty of blankets for warmth.
• Plants: Bring plants in containers inside if possible. If a freeze is likely, water outdoor plants beforehand to add insulation to the soil and the plants. Cover the plants if possible.
• Pipes: Allow water to drip from faucets, especially those facing exterior walls. Open cabinet doors to lessen the chance that pipes freeze and possibly burst. Eliminate drafts in unheated areas where water supply lines are located.

Recognizing Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a medical emergency that happens when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, resulting in a dangerously low body temperature. When body temperature drops, the heart, nervous system and other critical organs can’t function properly. If left untreated, hypothermia can lead to heart and respiratory system failure and eventually death.

If you notice someone acting confused, shivering or having difficulty speaking and moving, they may be suffering from hypothermia. Call 911 immediately. Move the person to a warmer area (inside and out of the wind if possible) and remove any wet clothing, replacing it with warm, dry coats or blankets.

Resources

If you are experiencing an emergency on campus, call the UTSA Police Department’s emergency line at 210-458-4911. If you’re off-campus, call 911.

To learn more about cold-related hazards and how to prepare for them, visit the City of San Antonio’s Winter Weather Preparedness Guide.