Stay Warm, Stay Safe
Winter Survival Guide
Real Talk: Rexburg's average low in January is -1°F, with highs around 24°F. Winter lasts from October through April. Many students underestimate how cold it gets - don't be one of them!
Winter Readiness Quiz
Are you ready for Rexburg winter? Take this quick quiz to find out!
Do you own a heavy winter coat rated for sub-zero temperatures?
Not just a hoodie or light jacket - we're talking serious cold weather gear.
Winter Clothing Essentials
Don't skimp on winter gear. Quality items make the difference between surviving and thriving.
Must-Have Items
Where to Buy in Rexburg
- Walmart: Basic winter gear, affordable options
- Deseret Industries: Quality secondhand coats and boots
- Amazon: Best selection, read reviews carefully
- Idaho Falls: Sportsman's Warehouse, Cabela's for premium gear
Emergency Car Kit for Winter
If you have a car, this kit could save your life if you get stranded.
Essential Items
Car Winterization Tips
- Battery: Cold weather kills batteries. Get it tested before winter.
- Antifreeze: Make sure it's rated for -30°F or lower.
- Tires: Consider winter tires or check tread depth.
- Wiper fluid: Use winter formula that won't freeze.
- Gas tank: Keep it at least half full to prevent fuel line freeze.
- Oil: Consider switching to winter-weight oil.
Cold Weather Safety Tips
Walking to Campus
- Leave 10-15 extra minutes in winter conditions
- Watch for ice patches, especially near buildings
- Use handrails on stairs - they're often icy
- Keep hands out of pockets for balance (use gloves)
- Take shorter steps on ice to maintain balance
- Know indoor shortcuts between buildings
Recognizing Frostbite & Hypothermia
Frostbite Signs:
Numbness, white/grayish skin, hard/waxy feeling. Get inside immediately, warm gradually (NOT with hot water).
Hypothermia Signs:
Shivering, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness. This is an emergency - call 911.
Apartment Cold Weather Tips
- Keep thermostat at 68°F minimum
- Open cabinets under sinks to prevent pipe freezing
- Let faucets drip during extreme cold
- Use draft stoppers under doors
- Keep blinds open during sunny days, closed at night
- Know where your water shut-off valve is
Winter Mental Health
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is real. Long, dark winters can affect your mood.
- Get outside during daylight hours
- Consider a light therapy lamp
- Stay physically active
- Maintain social connections
- BYU-I Counseling: (208) 496-9370
Ice & Snow Driving Basics
Do's
- ✓ Drive slowly - speed limits are for ideal conditions
- ✓ Leave extra following distance (4-6 seconds)
- ✓ Brake gently and early
- ✓ Accelerate slowly to avoid spinning
- ✓ Clear ALL snow from your car before driving
- ✓ Use headlights even during the day
Don'ts
- ✗ Don't use cruise control on icy roads
- ✗ Don't slam on brakes - pump them gently
- ✗ Don't overcorrect if you start sliding
- ✗ Don't assume roads are clear after plowing
- ✗ Don't drive with fogged windows
- ✗ Don't tailgate (ever, but especially in winter)
About Black Ice
Black ice is a thin layer of ice that's nearly invisible on the road. It's most common in the early morning, on bridges, and in shaded areas.
If you hit black ice: Don't panic. Take your foot off the gas, don't brake, keep the steering wheel straight, and let the car slow down on its own.
Explore More Resources
Check out our other guides to help you thrive at BYU-Idaho.
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