Weather Safety

Weather conditions can create hazards for travel at any time of year. Snow, ice, rain, flooding, wind, smoke, fog, extreme heat, and extreme cold may affect roads, sidewalks, parking lots, building entrances, and other campus access routes. Students, employees, and visitors should plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and use caution when conditions are poor.

Before You Travel

• Check weather, road, and campus conditions before leaving.
• Allow extra time for driving, walking, parking, and reaching your destination safely.
• Do not assume travel routes, walkways, stairs, or entrances will be clear or hazard-free.
• Choose the safest available route.
• Consider delaying travel when conditions are severe.

Clothing and Footwear

• Wear shoes or boots that provide good traction on wet, icy, snowy, or uneven surfaces.
• Avoid footwear with smooth soles or high heels.
• Dress appropriately for current and changing weather conditions.
• In cold weather, wear layers and protect exposed skin.
• In hot weather, wear lightweight clothing and protect yourself from sun exposure.
• In wet or low-visibility conditions, wear outerwear appropriate for rain and reduced visibility.

Walking Safety

• Use designated walkways whenever possible.
• Avoid shortcuts across areas that may be muddy, flooded, icy, uneven, or not maintained for pedestrian travel.
• Walk carefully and watch for slippery, loose, cracked, or obscured surfaces.
• Use handrails on stairs and ramps.
• Keep your hands free to help maintain balance.
• Do not text, read, or use other devices while walking.

Snow and Ice

• Take short steps or shuffle for better stability.
• Walk flat-footed and keep your center of gravity over your feet.
• Use extra caution when entering or exiting vehicles and buildings.
• Remove snow and moisture from footwear when entering buildings.
• Use traction devices when needed, and remove them before walking indoors.

Rain, Wet Weather, and Flooding

• Watch for standing water, mud, pooled runoff, and slick entryways.
• Use caution on painted pavement, metal surfaces, smooth concrete, and wet floors.
• Do not walk or drive through flooded areas unless the route is clearly safe.
• Use caution around puddles, which may hide curbs, holes, or uneven pavement.

Extreme Heat

• Stay hydrated before, during, and after travel.
• Avoid overexertion when walking long distances in high temperatures.
• Seek shade or air-conditioned spaces when possible.
• Watch for signs of heat-related illness, including dizziness, headache, nausea, confusion, or heavy sweating.
• Never leave people or pets in parked vehicles.

Extreme Cold

• Limit time outdoors during very low temperatures or dangerous wind chill.
• Watch for signs of cold-related illness, including numbness, shivering, or loss of coordination.
• Be prepared for slower travel and possible vehicle issues, even when roads appear clear.

Wind, Smoke, Fog, and Low Visibility

• Slow down and stay alert.
• Use headlights when driving in poor visibility.
• Watch for fallen branches, blowing debris, and shifting hazards.
• Limit outdoor exposure in smoky conditions when possible.
• Use extra caution at crosswalks, intersections, and parking lots.

Report Hazards

Report weather-related hazards such as icy walkways, flooding, blocked paths, fallen branches, or other unsafe conditions to Safety and Security at 541-962-3911 as soon as possible.

Reminder

Conditions may change throughout the day. Use caution both when arriving on campus and when leaving campus.