Students for whom experience with cold weather has been limited to Chicagoland’s relatively balmy weather will need to be reminded of this fact: Wintertime in Lake Forest can be bitterly cold with dangerous wind chills and icy conditions.

Please remind your student to dress appropriately for the walk between classes, to their residence halls, or to walk around town. Hats, mittens or gloves, and warm waterproof boots are essential for this time of year. Frostbite and hypothermia—both of which can be life threatening—are genuine risks outside when the temperatures drop into the single digits (Fahrenheit). 

The “real feel” temperatures drop even lower when a “wind chill” factor is added. Either of these medical emergencies can occur in a surprisingly short period of time so bundling up in layers is their best defense.

Have an excellent semester, and stay safe (and warm) out there!