The snow is falling in ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, but it doesn’t mean you should be, too! There are numerous ways to have fun in the snow while remaining safe. After all, the gloom does not have to be that unpleasant; yet, being prepared for winter conditions like ice, wind and low temperatures can help you focus on better things, like making those snow angels!
Safe Driving
The winter brings unpredictable and dangerous road conditions like ice, so the first safety precaution you can take while driving is to . Make up for a potentially slower commute by giving yourself extra time to arrive at your destination. Being a cautious driver is in, which means so you have more time to react to whatever may happen on the road. But above all, you do not have to brave the weather conditions if you feel unsafe. If your drive isn’t absolutely necessary, consider cancelling or rescheduling. Waiting to head out on the roads until conditions improve will undoubtedly keep you and everyone else safer!
If you absolutely must go out in bad winter weather, you can drive with greater confidence if you are well-prepared. First, make sure you have a snow shovel and an ice scraper in your vehicle. These tools can prevent snow from obstructing your tires and ice from forming on your windshields. (An ice scraper can also save yourself about 10 minutes every day by not having to wait for the ice to melt from your windshield!) Stocking up on additional layers, such as coats, caps, socks and warm blankets, is also always considered safe when driving. If you become stranded on the road, you can maintain your warmth without the assistance of your vehicle’s heater.
Keeping non-perishable snacks and water in your car is also helpful, whether you need to hydrate or clean the mud off your shoes before entering. If you encounter a worst-case winter weather scenario and get stuck in your car for a period of time, you’ll have some food and water at your disposal. Just remember to keep shelf-stable snacks in your car rather than perishable ones. Things like granola bars can keep for a long time, don’t require storage at a certain temperature and are far less likely to stink up your car if they happen to expire!
Safe Walking
The winter blues are real! It has been proven that , but when it comes to snow and ice, getting outside is not always easy or safe. : you burn more calories by fighting off the cold, reduce stress and help rejuvenate your skin. But you must be prepared to gain all these benefits because you can’t have fun when you’re cold!
When you’re preparing to spend significant time outdoors in the winter, . Stay away from constricting clothes and change quickly if your clothes get wet. Additionally, don’t skimp on warm winter accessories! keep the warmth in and prevent your toes from freezing. A scarf is not only stylish, but also practical; there are that can keep your entire head warm. Keeping your hands warm helps keep your whole body warm, so grab those gloves, too. Remember, you can always unzip a jacket or remove extra layers if you get too warm, but there’s nothing you can do if you head out underdressed!
Dressing warmly isn’t the only thing you need to do to prepare for wintry walks; you also want to stay on your feet! When there’s snow and ice on the ground, it’s best to leave the slip-on Vans at home. Instead, opt for cozy snow boots or shoes with better traction to help keep you steady and safe.
The sun sets earlier in winter, so your walks might happen in the dark. That’s totally okay, but it’s important to be visible on the streets! Wearing something like a headlamp or reflective gear is a great way for cars and other pedestrians to see you at night, helping everyone stay aware of each other.
Safe Living
Shoveling snow is important to stay on top of because if you don’t, the build-up of snow will turn into ice and make it harder to remove as time goes on. Clearing the pathways will prevent someone from slipping and potentially becoming injured. If you’re living in a dorm, the University takes care of clearing off-campus sidewalks, but if you live in an apartment, double-check your lease to see if it’s your responsibility or your landlord’s responsibility to clear snow from your driveway and sidewalk. If it’s your responsibility, it’s in your best interest to shovel as soon as you can, but . Be mindful of patches where you could slip, and be careful not to overexert yourself. Take breaks regularly and stop immediately if you begin experiencing any sudden pain.
Along similar safety lines, . If you really need to clear snow off your roof, first determine where that snow will fall, then use a ladder (with someone holding it at the bottom!) to clear the snow off with a long stick. Snow can be heavier than you realize, so make sure the ground is free of anyone or anything that could be harmed, such as a person or a vehicle.
Outside of snow removal, it’s important to be aware of any severe snow, ice or wind storms and . If the power goes out from any bad wintry weather, make sure you have a source of light! Keep spare batteries and flashlights in a kitchen or desk drawer.
If you lose power, you may also not have access to heating for a while. Store extra blankets and sleeping bags in a closet or under your bed to keep you warm on cold winter nights. To keep as much heat in as possible, close off unused rooms, stuff towels or sheets in cracks under doors, and close blinds and/or curtains.
If you want any more tips on how to stay safe on campus, be sure to visit the University’s and download the .
Written By Emily Rutkowski G’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications