Be Prepared for Winter Weather

Below are ways to stay safe while in the elements to prevent injuries this winter:

Prepare:

• Plan ahead giving yourself enough time for travel
• Wear appropriate footwear that provides traction
• Limit what you carry to provide better balance
• If you are walking any distance, wear 2-3 layers of clothing. A moisture-wicking material as first layer, and a wind and moisture protecting material on the outside
• Avoid clothing and footwear that are too tight; this can restrict bloodflow, thereby reducing the flow of warm blood to your extremities
• Get the UWO Mobile App for campus safety alerts

Take Care:

• Use designated walkways and avoid taking shortcuts
• When walking on steps, always use hand railings and plant feet firmly on each step
• Look out for black ice, especially early in the morning and in areas shaded from the sun
• Report hazardous conditions on Chat with UWO PD on UWO Mobile

Walk Like a Penguin:

• Try to keep your hands free to help maintain your balance; if you’re carrying things, you lose your ability to steady yourself if you slip.
• Keep knees slightly bent
• Take slow short steps or shuffle to increase traction

How DOES a human walk like a penguin?  See a demo in this video from Think and Be Safe: