This email just showed up in my inbox, and for some reason it cracked me up. Then again, maybe it's something MTU should send out to people not used to walking on snow:
Slips and falls due to winter~Rs snow and ice account for a significant number of painful injuries at WSU. Here are some suggestions to keep you on your feet during the slippery season.
Footwear should have low heels and soles constructed of a slip-resistant material. Rubber boots or boots with ribbed soles give more traction and slip less than leather or plastic soles. Also, dress warmly. Being cold may cause you to hurry or tense your muscles -- both of which can affect your balance.
Adjust the way you walk on slippery surfaces to a slower, more uniform pace. Walk on the whole foot (not just the toes) to get the best friction from your footwear. Avoid starting, stopping, and turning suddenly, and adjust your stride so that the body~Rs center of gravity is directly above your feet by taking shorter steps and placing your feet further apart laterally. Allow yourself plenty of time to get where you~Rre going.
Pay extra attention to walking surface conditions. Early darkness, glare, snow, fog, or rain may reduce visibility and hide ice patches. Look down with your eyes, but don't bow your head--it could propel you forward. Don't take shortcuts and always use sidewalks and the cleared paths in parking lots. Grassy slopes can be more dangerous than snowy steps. Also, be alert for rutted and uneven surfaces, and floors immediately inside doorways, where water and snow can accumulate. Be aware of gravel provided for traction as the snow and ice melt because walking on a gravel-covered surface can be like walking on marbles.
When crossing slick streets keep in mind that vehicles need much greater distances to stop on ice or wet snow and that weather conditions may limit a driver~Rs vision. Ensure vehicles have adequate time and distance to stop before you enter crosswalks.
Be extremely careful exiting your vehicle. Swing your legs around and place both feet on the pavement before you attempt to stand. Steady yourself on the door frame until you have gained your balance. Avoid
reaching beyond your center of balance to take hold of the door, because this may cause a fall.
Carry only those items necessary because with your ams full of weighted or bulky packages, you are not able to see the hazards, and the added weight can affect your balance.
Wearing the appropriate footwear, walking defensively, and being aware of the surface and surrounding conditions when encountering slick paths and roads can help you avoid an injury.
For additional information about winter survival, the Environmental Health & Safety web site has fact sheets about avoid slips and falls (http://www.ehs.wsu.edu/Factsheets/FAQSlipFall.asp), preventing
frostbite and hypothermia for those working outdoors (http://www.ehs.wsu.edu/Factsheets/FAQCold.asp), and
driving in winter conditions (http://www.ehs.wsu.edu/Factsheets/pdf/FAQWinterDrive.pdf). The Washington
Department of Transportation site (http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/) includes travel advisories
and mountain pass conditions.
