With winter approaching, there are several things that students should be aware of, both on and off campus, regarding being safe this winter.
The biggest thing to pay attention to is slippery surfaces. Michigan Tech does salt sidewalks with heavy foot traffic, but that does not eliminate slippery surfaces. Slips and falls are one of the biggest things that put students at risk for falling behind during the winter semester, as that can cause injuries that can make school work harder to complete. Some general safety tips that students can follow are walking on plowed sidewalks only, leaving earlier for class to reduce the risk of slipping on ice, wearing proper shoes/boots, and reporting any safety hazards regarding snow removal on campus to the Snow Hotline at 906‑483‑SNOW (7669).
Some other things to consider during the winter semester include not leaving your backpack in your car. Electronics can be damaged by cold temperatures, so leaving them in your car may eventually ruin them. You might also consider keeping your laptop, tablets, and other electronic devices in a protective sleeve in case you slip and fall on your back. Some backpacks come equipped with laptop sleeves to help protect devices, but they can also be ordered online.
One last thing to pay attention to this winter is Michigan’s often-slippery road conditions. Making sure your car can handle the winter is extremely important for your safety, as well as others on the road. Some things to consider are: making sure your car has good tires for better traction on snow and ice, wiping the snow off of your entire car so that falling snow does not affect drivers behind you, and making sure your headlights are visible at all times. Some other things to consider while on the road are stopping appropriately to avoid sliding, and driving slowly to avoid losing control. Just in case you get stuck or end up in a ditch, make sure you keep the necessary equipment in your car, such as a tow strap, warm winter clothes, and some emergency food/liquids for if you have to wait for a tow truck. Also, make sure your car has gas in case you get stuck, so you can leave the heat on.
Doing these things will help ensure safety this winter among all students, as well as others who may be impacted by your decisions. Stay safe!
