Winter Safety

Winter on Foot

Avoid outdoor winter slips and falls:

  • Walk. Don't run.
  • Use maintained sidewalks. Closed (unmaintained) sidewalks are blocked by yellow barricades.
  • Avoid shortcuts, particularly ones which take you over snow banks.
  • Use only the cleared sections of stairs. Use handrails when available.
  • Wear boots or shoes with rubber soles, good treads and low heels.
  • When leaving a building or vehicle, always check your traction before putting your weight on your foot.
  • Copy the penguins! Turn your toes out slightly and take small, slow steps while travelling on icy surfaces.
  • Report any hazardous conditions on campus to Security or Physical Plant.
  • Injured? Call 8-911 for first aid service; transportation to medical facilities, and injury reporting.
  • If you must open a window during winter, ensure that it is closed before you leave the building. Frozen pipes can cause serious flooding and damage to property, including yours!

Winter Driving

Winter demands defensive driving:

  • The speed limit in unmarked areas on campus is 25 km per hour under ideal conditions. Reduce speeds when roads are icy, wet, or snow-covered.
  • Reduce speeds further when approaching pedestrian crossings. Stop when there are pedestrians in the crossing.
  • Be prepared to stop for pedestrians crossing in areas not designated as pedestrian crossings.
  • Check road conditions before leaving on road trips. (Current telephone numbers are listed in the Blue Pages of the city telephone book.) Skip or delay the trip if driving conditions are not ideal.

Pack a winter survival kit for your vehicle.

Include a flashlight and batteries; blanket or sleeping bag; extra winter clothing; first aid kit; jumper cables; scraper and brush; shovel; storm candles for heat; matches; a tin can to melt snow; instant soup, tea or coffee; high energy food such as nuts or chocolate; sand, road salt or kitty litter for traction; extra fuses; basic tools & replacement parts (eg. fan belt); flares or reflectors; and an emergency supply of prescription drugs.