Weekend rain leaves roads, walkways icy

Submitted by Marmian Grimes
Phone: (907) 474-7902
02/20/06

A layer of ice formed by freezing rain over the weekend has resulted in slippery roads and walkways throughout campus.

Drivers are urged to reduce speeds to avoid accidents.

Crews from UAF Facilities Services began graveling all campus roadways on Sunday and, at midnight Monday, began applying ice melt to stairs and walkways throughout campus.

Although every effort is being made to continue graveling and applying ice melt to stairs and walkways, should an area be in need of attention, please contact Facilities Services at 474-7000.

The UAF Office of Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management also urges students, staff and faculty to use care when walking throughout campus and to follow some simple safety tips:

• Wear proper foot gear.
• Take small steps to keep your center of balance under you.
• Walk slowly and never run on icy ground.
• Keep both hands free for balance, rather than in your pockets.
• Use handrails from start to finish.
• Keep you eyes on where you are going.
• Test potentially slick areas by tapping your foot on them.
• Step, don’t jump from vehicles and equipment.
• Keep walkways clear of debris, water, ice and slippery materials.

When these helpful hints don’t work, and you know you are going to slip, try to reduce your potential injury when falling by:

• Roll with the fall. Try to twist and roll backwards, rather than falling forward.
• Relax as much as possible when you begin to fall.
• Toss the load you are carrying. Protect yourself instead of the objects being carried.

The Office of Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management has a limited number of Spikeys, which fit over shoes and give additional traction on ice, available for pickup at 157 University Park Building. Spikeys should not be worn indoors, as they can actually reduce traction on hard floors.