\nBy BU Today<\/em> staff<\/span>
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![\"thermometer\"](\"\/today\/files\/2016\/12\/h_butoday_3199319762_111e0e6163_b.jpg\")
First the bad news: an Arctic front is expected to arrive tomorrow, bringing Boston its first dangerous cold snap of the season. Temperatures are predicted to go down to 5 degrees Thursday night (with a daytime high of 25) and as low as zero on Friday.<\/p>\n
The National Weather Service<\/a> warns that the cold temperatures will be accompanied by strong winds: the wind chill factor could make it feel as cold as 15 to 25 below zero tomorrow and Friday. Wind gusts may reach 45 miles per hour.<\/p>\n Now the good news: the dangerous cold snap will be short-lived: temperatures are expected to climb back to a high of 40 on Saturday and nearly 50 on Sunday.<\/p>\n But in the meantime, BU staff and students, especially students unaccustomed to a cold climate, should review the cold weather precautions listed on the city of Boston safety web page<\/a>. Most important is dressing for the severe cold: wear several layers of warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Be sure that your outer layer is tightly woven and windproof. Cover all exposed skin and watch for frostbite (freezing of the skin and underlying tissues). In extreme cold, frostbite can happen in less than a minute, and wind makes the risk that much greater.<\/p>\n 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. Anyone with these symptoms should contact Student Health Services<\/a> at 617-353-3575. Among the signs of hypothermia (a dangerously low body temperature) are uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.<\/p>\n Severe cold can take a toll on buildings as well as people, warns Thomas Daley, associate vice president for Facilities Management & Planning<\/a> (FMP). \u201cOur buildings all have heating\/cooling, fire sprinkler, and lab cooling systems that can easily freeze up when subjected to subfreezing temperatures. 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.\u201d Close the windows and keep them closed, he says.<\/p>\n Daley says that this week\u2019s Arctic blast should serve to remind students, faculty, and staff to properly seal dorm rooms, apartments, and offices before they leave for intersession next week.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you add high winds to the mix, disaster can result,\u201d he says. Wind can drive cold air several feet into a space, quickly freezing waterlines, which can rupture and result in flooding. This can be prevented by making sure that all of your spaces are completely buttoned up when you leave the room or building, he says, adding that \u201cif you see open windows and doors during extreme temperatures, report them to the FMP emergency line at 617-353-2105. Close up your coats, windows, and doors and keep yourselves and your spaces warm.\u201d<\/p>\n If you live in an apartment-style residence and your apartment is chilly, to do not try to stay warm by <\/strong>turning the oven on <\/strong>and opening the oven door under any circumstances. Space heaters are prohibited<\/strong> for fire safety reasons.<\/p>\n Other tips for cold weather safety:<\/p>\n When using alternate heating sources, such as a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater, take the necessary safety precautions. Keep a fire extinguisher handy and make sure that everyone knows how to use it properly. Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to make sure they are in working order.<\/p>\n Find additional information about winter preparedness here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n
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