Winter Weather Safety Tips





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Windchill

Hypothermia - Low body temperature.
Warning signs - Uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion.
Detection - Take the person's body temperature. If it is below 95°F (35°C), immediately seek medical care.
National Weather Service Wind Chill Chart (Follow link below)
Follow this link to view National Weather Service Wind Chill Chart
Person Walking in the Snow

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Winter Dress

First layer -
  • Provides basic insulation and moves moisture away from skin, preventing chill when activity stops.
  • Choose long underwear, or thin, snug-fitting pants with a long sleeved T-shirt or turtleneck.
Second layer -
  • Use one or more layers, depending on conditions.
  • Sweaters, sweatshirts and other similar garments are good insulators. Some newer insulating pieces are also suitable as an outer shell in milder weather.
Long Johns
Outer shell -
  • Choose garments that are windproof, & preferably waterproof, such as those made of coated nylon or polyester. Many shells - such as ski-style jackets or parkas - combine the outer and insulating layers.
  • Good fit is crucial. If the shell is too big, heat loss can occur rapidly. If it is too small, you may not have enough room for insulating layers.
Plan from head to toe. Wear a hat, which can save half your body heat loss. If needed, wear layers of pants to keep your legs warm. Gloves and warm socks help protect fingers and toes, where you can first feel the effects of cold temperatures.






Person all Bundled up

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Walks & Drives

When the weather turns nasty...
  • Act early - It's easier to remove snow immediately following a snowfall, before it becomes packed or turns to ice. You can help prevent ice from forming, by spreading ice melters when heavy wet snow, sleet or freezing rain begins. Reapply later, after removing any accumulation.







Person Snowblowing
  • Remove ice and provide traction to keep walkways safe. Many ice melters can help reduce the risk of slips and falls, and are more effective than household items like sand or kitty litter. Be sure to check the package labels. Always look for products that do not irritate skin, require special handling or protective clothing, or contain harsh chemicals. Follow directions carefully.
  • Clear a wide path. When snow accumulates, take extra time to clear more than just a single shovel width on sidewalks. It will make walking easier and safer.

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Shoveling

If you must shovel, remember to...
  • Take it slow; do it carefully.

  • Lift small amounts, especially when removing heavy snow, slush or ice.
  • Use proper posture to prevent back strain. Keep your back straight, and lift gently from the knees and hips. Stop if you feel pain or become short of breath.



 Person Shoveling Snow

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Walk Defensively

  • Slippery sidewalks, parking lots, streets and entryways pose extra dangers
  • Use crosswalks


Person Slipping on Snow

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Choose Proper Footwear

  • Wear footwear with maximum traction
  • Winter boots
  • Non-slip soles or overshoes


Snow Boots

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Avoid Overloading

  • Keep your balance
  • Keep your packages together
  • Don't block your vision


Person with Bag

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Parking Lot Safety

  • Watch your footing when getting out of your vehicle
  • It takes a vehicle much longer to stop on ice and snow

Not Brushed off Car

For further winter safety information, please contact Risk Management & Safety at (262) 472-1856 or via email at Riskmgmt@uww.edu.

To report areas that need ice or snow removal, please contact Facilities Planning & Management at (262) 472-1320.

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Environmental Health, Risk Management, Safety, & Loss Control