Weekly Navigator
Winter Weather Survival Tips, Good Advice
As the winter chill takes a firm hold, College officials are offering tips to help you stay safe. Whether you’re at home or on the road, it’s important to be prepared. Here are some pointers for surviving the cold weather:
Personal & Family Safety
Bundle up: Make sure all family members have extra blankets and warm clothing. When heading outside, layer up with hats, gloves, and mittens for maximum warmth. Multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing are highly recommended.
Look out for the vulnerable: Regularly check in on children, the elderly and those with disabilities, as they are especially susceptible to the cold.
At Home:
Stock up on emergency supplies: Keep essential supplies on hand—think food, water, batteries, and first-aid kits. You never know when you might need them.
Check heating systems: Ensure space heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces are functioning properly and not producing harmful carbon monoxide.
Buy carbon monoxide detectors: Make sure they’re properly installed and working.
Be mindful about ventilation: Never use outdoor heaters indoors or in poorly ventilated spaces, as they can pose serious risks.
Keep pipes flowing: Prevent frozen pipes by letting a thin stream of water run from your faucets. Pipe insulation is also a smart move.
For Drivers:
Prepare winter survival kit: Stock your vehicle with the essentials: blankets, flashlight, extra batteries, brightly colored cloth, sand or cat litter, a shovel, non-perishable snacks, newspapers (for insulation), first-aid supplies, and jumper cables.
Check tires: Inspect your tires to ensure they’re properly inflated and the tread is in good shape.
Keep gas tank full: Always keep your gas tank near full when driving in cold weather to avoid fuel line freeze-up.
Ensure vehicle maintenance: Check your brakes, wipers, defroster and exhaust system to make sure they’re in top condition. Check antifreeze levels and top them off, if needed. You can also add special fluid to your windshield washer reservoir to keep it from freezing.
Know before you go: Check the weather forecast and share your travel plans with someone before you head out.
Driving in Wet or Icy Conditions:
Slow down: Drive at a reduced speed and leave plenty of space—at least three times the usual distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
Brake gently: Brake gently to avoid skidding. If you start to lose traction, ease off the brake.
Stay visible: Turn on your headlights to help other drivers see you. Keep your windshield clean and free of ice.
Use low gears: For better traction, use low gears, especially on hills.
Avoid cruise control: Never use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads. Be extra cautious on bridges, overpasses, and less-traveled roads, which freeze first. Even if the temperature is above freezing, shady spots and bridges may still be icy.
Give sanding trucks and plows space: Don’t attempt to pass snowplows or sanding trucks—they have limited visibility, and the road ahead of them may be worse than what’s behind.
If You Get Stranded While Driving:
Stay in your car: If you’re stuck, your car is your best shelter. Don’t panic—it burns only about one gallon of gas per hour when idling.
Ensure ventilation: Crack your window slightly to allow fresh air in, but only a small gap to prevent too much cold from entering.
Be mindful of exhaust safety: Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t blocked to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
Ensure nighttime visibility: If you’re stranded at night, leave your dome light on to make it easier for rescuers to spot you.
By staying prepared and taking these precautions, you’ll have the tools to tackle winter’s chill and stay safe.