Environmental Health and Safety
201 Carter Drive, Suite 100
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-3333
Fax: 610-436-3464


winter logo
With its cold and often stormy weather, winter presents many safety challenges both indoors and out.  Being prepared and following simple safety tips can help you stay safe and warm this winter season.

Walking on campus in a winter wonderland
Walking in icy, snowy weather can be dangerous, but these tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration can help make your trek safer.

  • Dress in layers and wear boots with nonskid soles. 
  • Wear a bright scarf or hat so drivers can see you.
  • Walk on sidewalks if possible.  If sidewalks are covered in snow and ice and you must walk in the street, walk against the flow of traffic and as close to the curb as you can.
  • Don't wear a scarf or hat that blocks your vision or makes it hard for you to hear traffic.
  • Before you step off the curb, make sure oncoming traffic have come to a complete stop.
car in snow

Prepare for the motoring safety in the winter season

Before driving, clean your headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows. Make sure you have your vehicle properly serviced by a mechanic. Also, check the battery, brakes, tires, belts, hoses, exhaust system and fluid levels.

Prepare an emergency car kit.  At the very least, include these items:

  • flashlight
  • flares
  • first aid kit
  • blanket
  • jumper cables
  • snow shovel
  • packaged food
  • water
  • kitty litter or sand for traction
home heater

Keeping your home safe and warm

  • Keep portable space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn, including bedding, furniture, and clothing.  Never drape clothing over a space heater to dry.
  • Replace the batteries in your smoke alarm and your carbon monoxide alarm. 
  • Have your fireplace chimney and flue inspected each year and cleaned if needed.  Open the flue and use a sturdy fireplace screen when you have a fire.
xmas

Home holiday safety tips

  • Place tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources.  Heated rooms dry trees out rapidly, creating fire hazards.  Keep your tree well watered.  When bent between your fingers, fresh needles do not break.
  • Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or barewires, or loose connections.
  • Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens.  Always use non-flammable holders an place them where they cannot be knocked dowm or blown over.