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Campus Review
February 26, 2013
Winter Weather Safety
by Bobby Hamil, director of Public Safety
Although the 2012/2013 winter season
has been relatively mild, we all know that
it’s just a matter of time before Old Man
Winter will make a dramatic return. Slips
and falls are some of the most frequent
types of injuries that are reported during
winter months.
Walk Safely – Walk Like a Penguin!
No matter how well snow, ice and water
are removed from parking lots, roadways,
sidewalks and other surfaces, pedestrians
may still encounter some slippery sur-
faces when walking outdoors in the win-
ter. Here’s how you avoid a fall and a
potentially serious injury…
In cold temperatures, approach with cau-
tion and assume that all wet, dark areas on
pavements are slippery and icy. During
snowy and icy weather, avoid boots or
shoes with smooth soles and heels.
Instead, wear shoes or boots that provide
traction on snow and ice; boots made of
non-slip rubber or neoprene with grooved
soles are best.
Use special care when entering and exit-
ing vehicles; use the vehicle for support.
Sit in your vehicle first; then bring your
legs inside. This will help prevent you
from slipping and falling out of your vehi-
cle.
Walk in designated walkways as much as
possible. Taking short cuts over snow
piles and other frozen areas can be haz-
ardous. Look ahead when you walk; a
snow or ice-covered sidewalk or drive-
way, especially if on a hill, may require
walking along its grassy edge for traction
or, worst case, if a sidewalk or road is
covered in ice, walk in the snow – even
ice-covered snow will give you some trac-
tion.
Never walk in streets that are icy and
snow-covered. You could be struck by a
skidding vehicle. If you have to walk in a
roadway, walk against the traffic so you
can see what’s coming and stay as close to
the curb as possible. In cold temperatures,
approach with caution and assume that all
wet, dark areas on pavements are slippery
and icy.
Wear bright, reflective clothing even dur-
ing the day so you stand out against the
snow.
When walking on very slippery surfaces,
point your feet out slightly like a penguin!
This will increase your center of gravity.
Bend slightly and walk flat-footed with
your center of gravity over your feet as
much as possible. Extend your arms out
from your sides to help balance you.
Keep your hands out of your pockets.
Hands in your pockets while walking
decreases your center of gravity and bal-
ance. You can help break your fall with
your hands free if you do start to slip.
Watch where you are stepping and… GO
S-L-O-W-L-Y !!
Take short steps or shuffle for stability.
Wear a heavy, bulky coat that will cushion
you if you should fall and gloves so you
don’t scrape your hands on hard snow, ice
and pavement.
If you feel yourself falling try to avoid
landing on your knees, wrists, or spine.
Try to fall on a fleshy part of your body,
such as your side. Try to relax your mus-
cles if you fall. You’ll injure yourself less
if you are relaxed.