Now is good time to consider winter weather issues

Staff members in WMU's Landscape Services department gather for a photo in front of Sangren Hall.

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Snow and ice can blanket the Western Michigan University campus during the winter months, creating hazards for both pedestrians and motorists.

That means this time of year is a good time to review the University's snow and ice removal procedures, safe walking tips, and closure policy.

Snow, ice removal

Winter hours are in effect for WMU’s snow removal crews, who must plow, shovel, scrape and de-ice more than 26 miles of roads and 120 acres of parking lots, 39 miles of walks, hundreds of doorways, and 200,000 square feet of steps and ramps.

Plow schedules cover snow and ice removal activities 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Providing there is not a major storm, most main campus areas will be clear of snow and ice before the majority of students and employees arrive each day.

Snow and ice removal schedules can be adjusted to accommodate special mobility needs as well as weekend and other special activities, although as much advance notice as possible of activities is encouraged.

Requests for accommodation as well as reports of unsafe areas should be directed to landscape services in the Department of Facilities Management at (269) 387-8557. Questions or concerns after normal business hours should be directed to the WMU Department of Public Safety at (269) 387-5555.

Walking in winter

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety reminds students and employees that slips and falls due to ice and snow are the most common injury-causing incidents on campus during the winter months.

For that reason, the Union Management Safety Committee has published online some helpful hints and guidelines for being safe while traversing campus in winter. The PDF document covers a variety of topics that although commonsensical, are often overlooked when people are inattentive, in a hurry or overly concerned about their outward appearance.

As an example, the tips regarding attire may be useful to younger students on their own for the first time as well as domestic and international students who are unfamiliar with Michigan winters. Similarly, a reminder to slow down or even "walk like a penguin" will probably be appreciated by anyone rushing to work who has slipped on the ice before and ended up with a broken bone.

To view the Winter Safety Tips PDF, visit bit.ly/1lRqqTp.

For more information, contact Jake Woods, environmental health and safety specialist in the environmental health and safety office, at jacob.woods@wmich.edu or (269) 387-5589.

University closures

WMU rarely closes due to inclement weather, so always assume it is open.

Notably, the University has closed just 11 times in the past 16 years. When it does close, regardless of the reason, the closure is announced on:

• The WMU home page at wmich.edu.
• The WMU Alert system (available only to student, faculty and staff subscribers).
• Area radio and television stations.
• The WMU emergency information phone line at (269) 387-1001.

When the University's campuses in Kalamazoo close, the WMU-Battle Creek regional location as well as the College of Aviation in Battle Creek also close. The status of the University's six other regional locations will vary due to conditions in their individual areas.

To learn about regional location closures, visit the Extended University Programs Web page at wmich.edu/extended. To review the WMU Closure Policy, visit wmich.edu/policies/closure-policy.

For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.