When it comes to Washington, you would automatically assume that every day is a rainy day, no matter what the season is. However, planning for any snow is less likely to happen…until it actually happens. This is important to note and get ready for, especially in the wintertime, because different situations can occur. This includes food shortages, cold sleepless nights, and vehicle cautions.
Before the eye of the (snow)storm
- Look at weekly forecasts
- Stock up on batteries
- Invest in candles, flashlights, or emergency lanterns
- Organize a first aid kit or even a survival kit for you and your family
- For more information about what to put into your kit(s), Red Cross provides a list of various supplies that can be found at home or be easily purchased in your local store
- Purchase enough non-perishable items for at least 2-3 days
- This includes drinking water, snacks (i.e. chips, pretzels, granola bars), or canned foods (i.e. beans, soups)
- Charge your phones, electronics, and power banks or portables
- Keep shovels and ice melt (alternatives can be kitty litter or sand) in hand for any major snowfall on the ground
- In case of an emergency that is far away, make sure that you have a full gas tank as well as a supply kit for your vehicle
Let it snow, let it snow
- Keep an eye on any school alerts
- I would suggest signing up for UW Alerts or Cascadia Alerts in case of different occurring emergencies
- In the case of classes running online instead of getting canceled, you are still able to get help with research and have online assistance for library resources!
- Connect to the 24/7 real-time, online question service for any immediate research help during the inclement weather closure – the librarians are there to assist you at all times!
- Online resources, such as eBooks. eVideos, or scholarly and news articles, are available through the UW Libraries Search and through subject databases
- Do not attempt in driving on the road; stay at home!
- If your professors do have class during a time of snow, communicate with them and be up to date with their lectures or updates
- If you have a job and the snow is preventing you from going, communicate with your supervisors or follow any work procedure to call out as soon as possible
- In the case that you are driving somewhere, let someone know what your destination and your estimated time arrival
- Check in on your family members and friends to see if they are safe
- Although keeping yourself safe and warm should be a priority, it is also important to make sure that your loved ones are protected as well
- Bundle up with loose fitting layers and blankets!
Post-Apocalypse
- Make sure it is safe for you to go out (whether it be driving or walking)
- Try to avoid driving until it is safe enough to drive
- If you have a vehicle, make sure to clear all slush, ice, and snow from your windows and exterior surfaces before attempting to drive
- Be on the lookout for any sudden class updates!
- Even if it does stop snowing, campus might remain close for better weather and road conditions
For more information about campus procedures, here are some resources below:
