Our world is affected, either positively or negatively, by weather. In general, we anticipate types of weather based on our climate and season of the year. Normal weather patterns produce normal weather events. However, it is the abnormal weather events, and the potential for increasing changes, that cause us concern.
Most of these events will give us some warning of their onset. Emergency Management monitors weather from a variety of sources and, when necessary, notifies the appropriate University officials to discuss the weather impact and associated response actions.
Boston University has been a StormReady Community since 2010 and is recognized for our commitment to preparedness, our outstanding communication systems, and for keeping Boston University students, faculty, and staff safe.
Winter Storms & Extreme Cold
Winter storms can bring snow, sleet, and freezing rain across our area. Blizzards can also occur when strong wind causes blowing snow and whiteout conditions, making roads impassable.
Extremely cold air comes every winter. The artic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values. Individuals exposed to extreme cold are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. Areas most prone to frostbite are uncovered skin and the extremities and frostbite can occur in a matter of minutes. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce.
Follow these tips to stay safe during the winter months:
- Monitor weather forecasts for up-to-date information.
- Winter Weather Advisory: Wintry weather expected. Exercise caution.
- Winter Weather Watch: Snow, sleet or ice possible. Be prepared.
- Winter Storm Warning: Snow, sleet or ice expected. Take action.
- Wind Chill Advisory: Cold weather expected. Exercise caution.
- Wind Chill Watch: Dangerous cold possible. Be prepared.
- Wind Chill Warning: Dangerous cold expected. Take action.
- Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power.
- Stay off roads if possible.
- Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, wear layers of warm clothing. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat.
- Reduce the risk of a heart attack by avoiding overexertion when shoveling snow and walking in the snow. Walk carefully on snowy, icy walkways.
- Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers, and toes. Signs of frostbite include numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, and firm or waxy skin. Actions to take go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm.
- Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Actions to take go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first, chest, neck, head, and groin. Keep dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and neck.
- For more information on extreme cold-related illnesses, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website
Extreme Heat
Extreme Heat
A heatwave is a period of abnormally hot weather generally lasting more than two days.
During extremely hot and humid weather, your body’s ability to cool itself is challenged. Some common heat illnesses are heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
Follow these tips to stay safe during excessive heat events:
- Monitor weather forecasts for up-to-date information.
- Heat Advisory: Extreme heat expected. Exercise caution.
- Excessive Heat Watch: A heatwave is possible. Be prepared.
- Excessive Heat Warning: Heatwave expected. Take action.
- Limit or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
- Minimize direct exposure to the sun. A sunburn reduces your body’s ability to dissipate heat.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Use air conditioners or spend time in air-conditioned locations.
- Use portable fans to exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air.
- Take a cool bath or shower.
- Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
- Watch for signs of heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke and seek medical attention.
- Heat cramp symptoms include painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen and heavy sweating.
- Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness or tiredness, cool, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache, or fainting.
- Heat Stroke symptoms include throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperature above 103℉, hot, red, dry or damp skin, rapid and strong pulse, fainting, loss of consciousness.
- For more information on extreme heat-related illnesses, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site.
