Oklahoma will finally be feeling the chill, as we drop from near-record highs to lows near freezing. This kind of temperature jump can wreak havoc on cars, homes, and the human body, so before you enjoy the chill, make sure you follow these tips to simplify life.
For your home:
Whether on or off campus, keeping temperatures steady plays an important role in keeping pipes and house frames safe. Be sure to leave the heat on at a reasonable temperature when you leave the house, so important pipes don’t freeze.
Allow your pipes in kitchens, bathrooms and laundries to drip softly. The dripping keeps water moving through the pipes, stopping them from freezing.
If you are using space heaters or floor heaters, be sure to be careful about the objects surrounding the heat source. Many house fires are caused each year by careless heater use.
For your car:
Changes in air temperature and pressure can cause issues for cars. Be sure to check your tire pressure before you start to drive. If your windows are fogged or iced over, make sure to clean/scrape them thoroughly to ensure clear vision before you leave. This is especially important in busy areas like campus parking and roadways.
For your body:
Obviously, make sure you are bundling up as the temperatures drop. The human body works best when held near a constant temperature, so it can improve your thinking ability and muscle ability when you keep your body near a normal temp. In fact, extreme cold causes all brain activity to center around keeping the core of your body warm, resulting in confusion and that pins and needles feeling in your hands and feet. Make sure to add a scarf and hat to your usual wardrobe, and maybe a pair of gloves, to keep your body functioning optimally.
One myth about the chilly winter weather is not true: cold weather itself doesn’t make you sick. However, cold weather does tend to send humans scrambling to bundle up in doors, meaning an increased amount of person-to-person interaction, which results in germs being passed around easily. Remember that illness rates do spike in the colder season, so wash your hands accordingly.
The Forecast:
Wednesday, Nov. 12 is supposed to reach a high of 37, with a low of 24 moving into the evening. Thursday will cool further to 36 degrees.
The weekend will warm up slightly, with a high around 40 degrees, but snow and a wintery mix are expected to arrive at the city on Saturday morning.
We encourage you to enjoy the bit of chill in the air: have a cup of cocoa, take out your favorite scarf, and bundle up!
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