Severe Weather Advice / Winter on Foot / Winter Driving (SAFE Campus)

Severe Weather Advice.

Environment Canada’s Weather Service issues weather watches and warnings via radio and television, via Weatheradio, and on the web at https://weather.gc.ca/.

“Weather watches” indicate that conditions are favourable for a severe storm. “Weather warnings” indicate that severe weather is happening or hazardous weather is highly probable.

Winter on Foot.

Avoid winter trips and falls:

  • Walk. Don’t run. Wear boots or shoes with rubber soles, good treads and low heels. Use footwear traction devices.
  • Avoid shortcuts, particularly ones that take you over snow banks.
  • When leaving a building or vehicle, always check your traction before putting your weight on your foot. Use handrails.
  • Copy the penguins! Turn your toes out slightly, and take small, slow steps while travelling on icy surfaces. 

Winter Driving.

Winter demands defensive driving:

  • The speed limit on campus is 30 kilometers per hour under ideal conditions. Reduce speeds when roads are icy, wet or snow-covered.
  • Reduce speeds further when approaching crosswalks. Stop when there are pedestrians in the crosswalk. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians crossing in areas not designated as crosswalks.
  • Check road conditions and weather conditions before leaving on road trips. Skip or delay the trip if driving conditions are not ideal.
  • Travel with a cell phone or a satellite phone.
  • Establish a call-in schedule with someone in your department / school:  make sure that person knows where you are going, when you will arrive and what to do if you if you don’t report in as scheduled.

BONUS TIP:  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 and replacement parts (eg. fan belt);  flares or reflectors;  and, an emergency supply of prescription drugs.