Because of extreme cold weather and wind chills, all WKU campuses will be closed on Wednesday.

It’ll be a chilly one, with lows expected to reach 12 degrees Fahrenheit, so we’ve put together a few tips to help you make it to Thursday. 

1. Protect your pipes

Water expands as it freezes, so pipes can burst if the water inside your pipes freezes. During cold weather, it’s a good idea to leave faucets dripping, and leave your cabinets open to let warm air circulate. 

2. Dress in layers

Bundle up when you go outside. Even if it’s a quick run from your front door to your car, it’s best to dress for the weather and take off layers once you’re inside.

3. Watch for frostbite

Frostbite can happen in minutes and can affect any area of skin exposed to cold, but especially on the fingers, toes, nose and ears, according to National Weather Service. 

To avoid frostbite, weather service recommends staying inside during extreme cold weather. If you have to go outside, be sure to cover every part of your body. 

You should also drink plenty of fluids and avoid caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes.

“Caffeine constricts blood vessels, preventing warming of your extremities,” weather service states. “Alcohol reduces shivering, which helps keep you warm. Cigarettes shut off the blood flow to your hands.” 

4. Watch your heaters

If you’re turning on some extra heaters to stay warm, you should follow a few safety precautions to avoid a fire. For example, keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that could catch fire, like clothing or blankets.

Don’t leave an electric blanket unattended, and turn it off before you go to sleep. 

5. Charge your phone and other electronics

This may be a very ~millennial~ tip, but when winter weather hits, it is often accompanied by power outages. So charge up while you can!

6. Just stay inside

There’s no class tomorrow, so stay indoors with a mug of something warm and catch up on homework. Or binge on Netflix. Your choice.

Go to www.weather.gov/safety/cold-during for more information on staying safe in extreme cold weather.