Winter Safety | Security and Emergency Management Services | Seneca Students

DID YOU KNOW?

About 8 percent of snow/ice related slips and falls occur INDOORS. Be careful in those entryways and hallways and ensure you are drying off your footwear properly.

Stopping distances for vehicles on ice is almost 10 times that of stopping distances for vehicles on a dry surface.

YOU CAN PREVENT THIS!

You can prevent unfortunate circumstances from happening by:

• Expecting delays due to over-night storms. This might mean it will take you longer to get to where you need to be. Whether that means planning for additional time to remove snow from your vehicle with an ice-scrapper, clearing your drive-way, or a slower walk due to slippery conditions. 
• Expecting delays, and plan accordingly. The snow will slow traffic down as plows clear the roads. Additionally, public transit can be affected. Always have a back-up plan, especially one regarding getting stuck in traffic.
• Ensuring you are wearing layers. This means wearing thermal pants and shirts, regular shirts, pants, sweaters, AND jackets. It's easier to layer-down than to layer-up when changing environments.
• Limiting the skin exposed to the elements. Accessories such as scarves, ear-muffs, winter-hats, gloves, and thermal socks will make winter more tolerable and fun.
• Wearing appropriate weather shoes. The treads on your shoe's soles will determine if you slip and fall, or have a safe walk ahead. If you do slip, tip, and fall on campus, make sure to call security. You can reach security at 416-764-0911.
• Driving with a plan. If you are driving, drive with a plan of being stuck in traffic for longer periods of time. Have a first-aid kit handy, extra water and snacks, extra jackets or blankets, and know how to get help when needed.
• Space Heaters: If you're using space-heaters at home or work, make sure to monitor them regularly, keep them away from anything flammable, and do not leave them unattended. An unexpected fire may occur, and that is not the kind of warmth you may be looking for.
• Ice Scrappers: Do not underestimate the reliability and importance of a good quality ice-scrapper. You will need one to remove snow and ice from your vehicle. Ensure you are properly removing snow from your vehicle, including the top.
•  Vehicle Mechanics: Get familiar with your vehicles defogging functions, and ensure you warm up your vehicle for at least 1 minute before driving. Idling for longer periods of time is not necessary. The vehicle heater may need more time to warm-up, but it will warm-up faster when you drive versus idle.
• Affordability: Consider going to thrift-stores to buy winter gear. Winter gear can get expensive, however thrifting is great and sustainable way to find good condition second hands items. You can search online using your preferred search engine by typing in "thrift stores near me".
• Read more road safety tips here.

NOW WHAT?

• If you find yourself in a difficult situation, make sure to know your reporting options.
  • Location: Be aware of your surroundings at all times to get help immediately.
  • Shoes: Security may take photographs of the area you slipped, and photographs of the bottom of your shoes (soles).
  • Concerns: If you notice there is a great deal of ice or snow in an open pathway or if you were injured on site, please report it to security at 416-764-0911 or download the Seneca SAFE APP below.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Security Office Locations:

Non-Emergency Online Reporting Tool
• Toronto Police
• York Regional Police
• Peterborough Police