Student Tribune
Safety Tips for Navigating Around Campus This Winter
Once again, we have battled through our first few snow storms of the year.
Our first storm was early enough in the evening that we were able to have
things cleaned up by morning. Our second storm came later at night and was more
of a challenge. Every storm is different and comes with different challenges
for everyone who has to deal with them. The Grounds department is once again
asking for your help in being safe when driving and walking around campus
during the winter months. Slow down when driving near curves, intersections and
crosswalks. Every year we have dozens of cars slide off the road because of
vehicle speed and conditions. Just because you see salt equipment putting down
ice melt on campus roads and walks 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
Nickason, Gregory
Facilities
12/03/2018