UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — With already-frigid temperatures expected to go even lower over the next few days, the Penn State community is advised to take precautions to stay both warm and safe heading into the weekend.

According to the National Weather Service, cold temperatures and strong winds will combine to produce intensely cold wind beginning Thursday evening, Jan. 4, and continuing into Saturday. Dangerously cold wind chills dipping to between 20 and 30 below zero are possible across portions of central Pennsylvania, with the lowest readings occurring during the overnight and early-morning hours. The coldest wind chills will be across the northern and western mountains. 

Due to the possibility of frostbite on exposed skin and the dangers of hypothermia, faculty, staff and students returning from the winter break are urged to stay indoors when possible, and dress appropriately in layers and wear a hat and gloves at all times when outdoors, being sure to avoid any unnecessary skin exposure. Additional information on how to stay safe during extreme cold weather can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe/index.html.

The Office of Physical Plant is preparing for the extreme cold by having additional staff on hand to address any building-related emergencies, such as broken water lines, caused by the frigid temperatures. Faculty, staff and students are asked to immediately report any building-related problems to the OPP Work Control Center, which is staffed 24/7 and can dispatch response crews, by calling 814-865-4731.

All employees are encouraged to take responsibility for their own safety and use their own best judgment when considering traveling to or from campus. Faculty and staff also should review "Handling Weather Day Absences" (Human Resources Guideline 10) online, for information.

Individuals can stay informed about the status of activities at University Park by using Penn State's PSUAlert system, Facebook page, the Penn State News website, and WPSU TV and radio.