Be Prepared

Stay safe outdoors during winter weather.

If you spend time outdoors this winter, whether for work or recreation, prioritize your safety.

Always carry a fully charged cellphone and, if possible, bring a portable charger. For unavoidable exposure to extremely cold conditions, including windchill, follow these tips to stay protected:

• Dress in Layers: Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing to insulate better and retain warmth.
• Cover Exposed Areas: Protect your ears, face, hands, and feet. Use waterproof and insulated boots, gloves, and a warm hat to prevent heat loss.
• Take Warm-Up Breaks: Whenever possible, move indoors to warm up and minimize time spent outside on extremely cold days.
• Carry Winter Essentials: Keep extra socks, gloves, hats, a jacket, blankets, a change of clothes, and a thermos of hot liquid with you for added preparedness.
• Avoid Direct Contact with Metal: Never touch cold metal surfaces with bare skin to prevent frostbite or injury.

For more tips on staying safe during winter weather, visit ready.gov.

Stay safe while walking on snowy sidewalks

• Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes or boots with good traction to prevent slipping on icy surfaces.
• Walk Carefully: Take short, steady steps, and watch for hidden ice or uneven ground.
• Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings, including potential hazards and ongoing snow-clearing efforts.

Be prepared when walking in the snow on campus sidewalks to stay safe and avoid slips or falls. Wear sturdy footwear with good traction and dress warmly in layers to protect against the cold. Take smaller steps, use handrails when available, and stay alert for icy patches or uneven surfaces. Plan extra time to reach your destination and consider using campus resources like shuttles or winter weather updates to make your journey safer and more efficient.

Hazard preparedness

Explore information for the specific hazards that are most likely to impact the WashU campuses:

The WashU Emergency Management Department’s Mitigation Program regularly and systematically utilizes resources to lessen the impact of an emergency or disaster on campus with risks identified in the Hazard Identification Risk Assessment (HIRA).

The Mitigation Program provides technical assistance through the implementation of applicable codes and ordinances, as well as tracking ongoing loss and repetitive loss from hazards. The Mitigation Program’s goals are to minimize building vulnerabilities of WashU facilities to hazards, reduce hazard vulnerabilities for faculty, staff, students, and visitors on WashU campuses, and to promote awareness and involvement through risk reduction activities, education, and outreach to the WashU community.