Winter Safety Tips

Are you ready for winter? Here are a few tips to keep you safe this season:

  1. Walk on the plowed sidewalks. Please don’t cut across the green space or over snow banks as you could potentially fall and be injured. The field between Rotary Place and the University isn’t monitored and should you get into trouble, the Security team won’t be aware.
  2. Use Safe Walk if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe walking alone.
  3. Parking lines may be harder to judge in the snow. Please be respectful of other drivers’ parking spots.
  4. Before you leave campus it’s important to make sure your vehicle is free of snow and ice. Clean off all windows, defrost your windows, and clean your head and tail lights. There really is no excuse for not cleaning the snow off your vehicle – it takes less than two minutes.
  5. Please note that snow won’t be cleared in between cars in the parking lot or along non-designated walkways/sidewalks. Appropriate footwear should be worn at all times.
  6. Check the campus status page on our website in the event of bad weather. We will also send out a Blazecast email, post a message to the main phone line, notify local radio and television stations, and post on our social media channels. 
  7. Check weather and travel conditions before heading out. Don’t take chances if the weather is bad. Reports on winter road conditions are available at http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller/conditions/index.shtml
  8. It’s a good idea to keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle. Here are some recommended items:
    • ice scraper/snowbrush
    • shovel
    • sand or traction aid (kitty litter works well)
    • booster cables
    • first aid kit
    • extra clothing
    • blanket
    • non-perishable energy foods – example: chocolate or granola bars, bottled water
    • candle and a small tin can
    • matches

Remember, prevention is always better than recovery.