Baldwin Wallace University in Northeast Ohio has encountered countless and dynamic weather patterns every winter. What should BW students unfamiliar with winter weather expect, and how can they stay prepared?

The National Weather Service finds that the average mean temperature in Northeast Ohio in December is 34.3 degrees, with the ever-looming chance of snowfall and precipitation.

“I would recommend that students remain highly aware when navigating the campus during snow and ice conditions,” said Mark Boyette, director of buildings and grounds.

Boyette further said that every year, B&G workers are responsible for maintaining the BW campus “to ensure the safest possible environment.”

“Despite our plow trucks being equipped with backup alarms and cameras, students often inadvertently walk behind these vehicles without paying attention,” Boyette said. “This poses a significant safety risk that students should be mindful of.”

Timothy Washington, a security officer who has worked at BW for 33 years, has experience navigating this campus and working with departments to help ensure student safety. “B&G does a great job of snow removal and keeping up with ice, but they are not here 24/7,” Washington said.

A concern posed by Washington is a student’s ability to get the proper help and access to resources in these conditions. With many students from out of state or experiencing their first winter on their own, there will be things that could be unknown or overlooked by students.

Here are some things to keep in mind suggested by Washington: 

• If you do not use your vehicle frequently during colder weather, aim to start your vehicle at least once a week for about 30 minutes to keep your car battery from dying. 

• If your car gets stuck in snow or slush, you can break down the snow and place kitty litter under your tires, which helps to create traction. 
• You can get ticketed for driving with snow still covering part of your windshield, headlights, brake lights, and license plate. 
• Beware of snow parking bans. Many students park on city streets. However, when a snow ban comes into effect, you can get ticketed for parking in specific areas, and your car can get plowed in. 
• Backing into a parking spot before it snows is recommended because it will make a more accessible and safer exit if there are snowy road conditions.

What should students have in both their cars and their homes: 

• Flashlights 
• Blankets 
• Water 
• First aid kit 
• Jumper cables 
• Shovel 
• Snow scraper 
• Lock de-icer. 
• Sand or Kitty litter 
• Emergency flares

Contact safety and security at (440) 826-2336