With the holiday season fast approaching, colder temperatures and wintry weather come along with it. Winter weather can also bring hazardous conditions, so it’s best to be well prepared. What follows are a few tips to help stay safe and warm in the coming months.

Stay warm

Be sure to have a winter coat and snow-ready footwear readily available. A warm hat, gloves, winter coat, and insulated boots can help in cold and wet conditions. Layering winter outfits also can trap heat better than a single heavy garment. Always check the weather forecast to stay informed about what to wear before going outside.

Prepare your vehicle and drive safely

Road conditions can become especially hazardous during winter. Plan ahead now. Check your car’s antifreeze levels, get an oil change, and check your battery before harsh winter conditions hit. In snowy or icy conditions, reduce your driving speed and increase your following distance. Also, use caution when traveling near a snow plow. Snow plows take up several lanes, frequently stop, and move slowly.

Emergency weather information

When severe weather requires changes to Miami University’s normal schedule, there are three ways to access and/or receive emergency weather closing information:

• The official reference is the university website, MiamiOH.edu. The Miami Regionals website is MiamiOH.edu/Regionals. Please check notices for each campus because it is possible one campus is holding classes while another cancels classes.
• You’ll also receive information via your Miami University email account.
• Make sure your information is up-to-date for the emergency text messaging system. Go to MiamiOH.edu/police and click the RedHawk Alert link to access the emergency text messaging system. You may create an account as well. Check your account annually to make sure it’s current.

Local radio and TV stations receive weather-related campus closing/class cancellation notices from Miami. But the best sources of information are Miami’s direct channels, listed above.

Check and insulate your home

Ensure that your home is well-insulated to retain heat. Check for drafts around windows and doors and use weather stripping or caulk to seal any spaces. Insulate your pipes to prevent them from freezing. Frozen pipes can burst and cause significant damage. Consider using pipe insulation or letting faucets drip during frigid temperatures. Also, have your HVAC system checked annually.

Create a winter emergency kit

Assemble winter emergency kits for your home and care. The home kit should include blankets, extra clothing, non-perishable food, water, a first aid kit, flashlights, and necessary medications. Keep important documents, such as identification, insurance policies, and medical records, in a waterproof container. Plan for alternative heating sources, such as a fireplace, and ensure they are safe and well-maintained. Your vehicle should include things similar to the home kit, including a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, a shovel, a first-aid kit, a portable phone charger or power bank, non-perishable snacks in your car, and other necessities that can sustain you during power interruptions.

Keep up to date on emergency weather and closing information at Miami.