By Kristina Scherber
Cardinal Staff
Most people who have lived in cold states for any amount of time are knowledgeable about winter weather conditions. They know how to dress, drive, be active outdoors and generally make it through winter in one piece. Nevertheless, deaths and injuries occur every winter because people fail to take precautions. Here are some helpful tips for staying safe during this winter season.
Exposure to cold can cause life-threatening health conditions. Avoid serious conditions such as frostbite and hypothermia by keeping warm.
*Wear a hat, hood or scarf, as most heat is lost through the head.
*Wear layers, as they provide better insulation and warmth.
*Keep fingertips, earlobes and noses covered if you go outside.
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If you must drive:
*Avoid traveling alone, but if you do so, let someone know your destination and when you expect to arrive.
*Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible; these roads will be cleared of snow first.
*Drive slowly. Posted speed limits are for ideal weather conditions. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.
*If you skid, steer in the direction you want the car to go and then straighten the wheel when the car moves in the desired direction.
*Know your vehicle’s braking system. Vehicles with antilock brakes require a different braking technique than vehicles without antilock brakes in icy or snowy conditions.
*Try to keep your vehicle’s gas tank as full as possible.
While on campus:
*The campus speed limit is 15 mph. Drive slowly and watch for pedestrians at all times.
*Stop at all stop signs.
*When walking on campus, wear brightly colored jackets and clothing.
*If there is not a sidewalk, stay as close to the edge of the road as possible, especially when it is dark.
*Always look both ways and use caution when crossing roads.
For these and other tips on Minnesota winter hazards visit www.winterweather.state.mn.us.
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