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MCC Daily Tribune

Safety Tips for Navigating Around Campus This Winter

As you know, we have battled through our first snow storm of the year. Even with warm ground temperatures, the cold air temperatures were enough to leave a layer of ice. The Grounds department is once again asking for your help in being safe when driving and walking around campus during the winter months. Just because you see salt equipment putting down ice melt on campus, doesn't mean that product has left a safe surface. We often see people slip or fall on surfaces long after our deicers have been applied. The length of time for that product to work depends on a lot of factors that we can't control. Everything from sunlight to the amount of traffic after the application effect the speed in which these products work.

Walking to and from parking lots and buildings when its cold out requires special attention to prevent slips and falls. No matter how well the snow and ice is removed from parking lots or sidewalks, you will still encounter some slippery surfaces when walking outdoors in the winter. It is important for everyone to be constantly aware of these dangers and to learn to walk safely on ice and slippery surfaces.

Arrive early so you can walk slowly through parking lots and down sidewalks. Never run even if it means getting to your destination late. Hurrying down walks greatly increases your chances of a slip and fall injury in the winter months.

Wear boots that are designed for winter weather. Smooth soles and high heels are dangerous on ice and snow. Many boots are sold as winter wear but have heals that make them dangerous. Flat textured soles made of non-slip rubber offer the best traction. Grippers, traction cleats or "Yaktrax" which slip on over your boots for traction are another excellent idea. Wear gloves so you don't need to put your hands in your pockets. Don't text or talk on your phone when walking in lots or sidewalks in winter months. Wear a backpack to hold your items so your hands are free when walking. Walk like a penguin to reduce your chances of slipping & falling:

Extend your arms out to your sides for balance

Point your feet out

Keep your head up

Slowly take short steps

In cold temperatures, assume that all wet or dark areas on pavements and walks are slippery and icy. Black ice is impossible to see and is one of our biggest causes of people falling at the college. Be cautious when entering and exiting your vehicles. It's common for people to arrive at the college before the salt has a chance to melt the parking stalls and it may be icy when entering or exiting your vehicle. Use the vehicle for support to help prevent falling. Use hand rails when available even if you think the area you are in is free of ice. Walk in the middle of the walk and not near the edges as our new more environmentally friendly salting equipment concentrates the ice melt more to the center of the walks than off into the lawn areas. Remember that it's common for areas to melt during the day and re-freeze at night causing dangerous ice even on days where you wouldn't expect it.

No matter how well the snow and ice is removed from parking lots or sidewalks, pedestrians will still encounter slippery surfaces in winter. If you see an area that you feel requires additional ice melt please contact the Facilities Department at 292-2800 or Public Safety at 292-2912. The Grounds department takes all calls seriously and will act on each call as soon as possible.

Thank You,

Greg Nickason, Supervisor of Campus Grounds

Gregory Nickason
Facilities Grounds Department
11/13/2017