As the winter season approaches, College of Western Idaho (CWI) takes proactive measures to ensure the safety of its campus locations by diligently keeping them clear of ice and snow. However, winter conditions can be dangerous and require everyone's attention to prevent slipping and falling. We are all responsible for exercising good judgment when walkways and roadways may be icy or slippery.
While our Campus Safety and Security team strives to remove snow and ice from roadways, parking lots, and sidewalks, it is crucial for everyone to be prepared for potentially slippery surfaces. By being proactive and cautious, we can collectively contribute to maintaining a safe and secure campus during these challenging winter months.
Keep the following safety tips in mind:
- Anticipate slippery conditions: Ice and snow or water-covered ice may be present on sidewalks, pathways, entrances, roadways, and parking lots.
- Wear shoes or boots that provide traction: Neoprene and non-slip rubber soled footwear are best. Avoid shoes with smooth soles and heels. Remove ice cleats, athletic cleats, or spiked shoes before walking on smooth dry floors as they are extremely slippery on these surfaces.
- Walk SLOWLY: Plan extra time so you are not rushing.
- Be careful when you shift your weight. When stepping off a curb or getting into a car, be careful as shifting your weight may cause an imbalance and result in a fall.
- Avoid shortcuts: Shortcuts may be a good idea if you are in a hurry but are a bad idea if there is snow and ice on the ground. A shortcut path may be treacherous as it is likely located where snow and ice removal are not possible.
- Walk like a penguin: Point your feet out slightly and shuffle. Spreading your feet out improves your stability. Bend slightly at the waist and walk flat-footed with your center of gravity over your feet as much as possible. Keep your hands out of your pockets and extend your arms out to your sides to maintain balance.
- Plan ahead: When walking on snow or ice on sidewalks or parking lots, walk cautiously. Look to see where your feet will move next to anticipate ice or an uneven surface. Occasionally scan from left to right to ensure you are not in the way of vehicles or other hazards.
- Look up: Be careful about what you walk under. Injuries can result from falling snow or ice as it blows, melts, or breaks away from awnings, buildings, etc.
- Use your eyes and ears: While seeing the environment is important, you also want to listen to approaching traffic and other noises. Avoid listening to music or engaging in conversation that prevents you from hearing oncoming traffic or snow removal equipment.
- Enter a building carefully: When you get to your destination, look at the floor as you enter. It may be wet and slippery from melted snow and ice.
- Use stair handrails: Ice and snow may be hiding on the stair steps making them slippery.
- Dress appropriately: Wear layers of clothing to stay warm and dry
- Anticipate ice: Be wary of thin sheets of ice that may appear as wet pavement (black ice). Often ice will appear in the morning in shady spots or where the sun shines during the day and melted snow refreezes at night.
As well, when driving, slow down and increase distances between vehicles/pedestrians. Stopping distances are longer on snow, ice, and snow or water-covered ice. Please be aware that when snow removal is required, parking spaces may be limited in some areas due to snow piles from plowing.
To report icy conditions on campus or if you have questions, please contact Campus Safety and Security at 208.562.3333 or security@cwi.edu.