Colorado will experience snow and freezing temperatures for the next few days. Here are some tips to be prepared:
Prepare your home for cold temperatures
Take these steps to prevent damage and frozen pipes:
- Disconnect hoses from outside spigots. It could be your responsibility to remove hoses after each use in freezing weather to avoid pipe damage. Any damage could be your financial responsibility.
- Keep your space warm. Use thick curtains or weather insulator film to prevent heat transfer through windows and doors, and make sure furniture, rugs and clothing are not blocking air ducts and heat vents.
- Set your thermostat to at least 62 degrees. Keep the heat on, especially if you’re away for the weekend. If pipes freeze and leak, shut off the main water supply immediately.
- Check your furnace filter and replace if dirty
- Open cabinet doors that provide access to plumbing, especially those on exterior walls
Travel safely
Road safety is crucial, especially in snowy and icy conditions. If you’re driving this weekend, here are some tips to stay safe:
- Stay informed: Check weather and traffic reports before leaving and consider alternative routes if necessary. If you’re traveling on major highways or interstates, check COTrip for updates on road closures and other changes.
- Slow down: Roads can be slippery, so give yourself extra time to get where you’re going. Reducing speed increases your control on icy patches.
- Keep your distance: Allow more space between your vehicle and others as braking distances increase on slick roads.
- Pack an emergency kit: Include items like blankets, a flashlight, jumper cables and non-perishable snacks in case of unexpected delays.
Winter weather preparation
Drivers in Colorado should expect and be prepared to drive in winter weather conditions, whether it’s for class, work or personal reasons. The Colorado Department of Transportation provides an automotive and safety checklist that all drivers should use when driving in winter conditions. If drivers are involved in a vehicular accident on campus, they are encouraged to call UCCS Police at (719) 255-3111. On-campus drivers are asked to use extreme caution on Clyde Way, the section of road connecting UCCS to the Ent Center, which tends to freeze more quickly than other areas of campus.
Please ensure all office and building windows are closed. Leaving just one window cracked during a freeze can cause frozen pipes and flooding.
Pedestrians should also dress for weather conditions with layers and proper footwear with extra tread. But if someone does slip or fall, UCCS encourages those to be reported, even if they don’t result in injury. For employees, those claims can be done through the workers compensation process. Please also view the designated medical providers list when seeking care.
For students, those can be reported to Facilities Services at (719) 255-3313. Those reports create a record of accountability and to better identify areas on campus that need additional attention.
Anyone going out in winter weather is also encouraged to keep any needed medications on hand in the event that they get stuck away from home.
Leave a Reply