Ithaca College

The National Weather Service has issued a windchill warning for the Ithaca area, meaning temperatures could feel like they are 20 to 30 degrees below zero outside. As a result, Ithaca College has delayed opening on Thursday morning. The opening time for offices on Thursday will be 10:30 a.m., and classes will start with the 10:50 a.m. class period. Any classes scheduled prior to that time will not be held. Essential personnel are requested to report to work at their normal times.

Windchill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by wind and cold. As the wind increases, it draws heat from the body, driving down skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature. Therefore, the wind makes it FEEL much colder. If the temperature is 0°F and the wind is blowing at 15 mph, the windchill is -19°F. At this windchill temperature, exposed skin can freeze in 30 minutes.

The following tips can help you minimize the effects of the cold and wind:

• Limit your time outdoors, and shelter yourself from blowing wind as much as possible while outside.
• Wear layers of warm clothing that can be added or removed as needed.
• Wear mittens or gloves, a hat, and a scarf or hood to cover your face.
• Wear appropriate footwear to keep your feet both warm and dry.

Frostbite and hypothermia can develop much more rapidly at low windchill temperatures, so covering exposed skin is critical. If you do get wet outside, change into dry clothing immediately once you get inside.

More information on being prepared for cold weather safety can be found on the National Weather Service website.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers information on signs of and treatment for frostbite and hypothermia.