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Winter is here so be prepared

December 01, 2025

Author: Jeff Budlong | Image: Christopher Gannon

A campus services worker blows snow off the steps of the main entrance of Beardshear Hall.
Campus services employee Paul Poblete uses a blower to remove snow from the steps of Beardshear Hall on Monday morning. About 11 inches of snow fell on campus over Thanksgiving weekend, keeping staff busy clearing snow from roads and walkways. With Monday classes canceled and pedestrian traffic reduced, the focus was on building entrances and treating slick sidewalks with salt and sand. About 60 campus services staff were out clearing and treating surfaces. 

Snow showed up -– and in several inches –- over the weekend. It's a good time for a refresh on how to navigate campus and keep yourself and others safe during this time of the year. 

Knowing where to park when lots are covered in the white stuff will help you and facilities planning and management (FPM) crews that clear lots. Drivers are asked to not park in their usual parking lots until they have been cleared of snow. Several lots are designated where all parking permits are honored:

Anyone parking at the Iowa State Center can ride CyRide to campus. The free #23 Orange route runs at five- to 10-minute intervals during the day and about every 25 minutes after 7 p.m. During significant weather events, CyRide adds buses to routes to assist the campus community.

FPM crews follow six priorities for clearing snow and ice:

  • Roadways serving university facilities
  • Parking lots: Accessible spaces, then permit spaces and general spaces
  • Main walkways traversing campus and leading to main building entrances
  • Main building entrances and accessible entrances
  • Secondary sidewalks (those not in the primary route to campus facilities but instead leading to side or back doors)
  • Secondary building entrances, including side and back entrances and limited-access exits

When service is needed, regardless of which neighborhood a unit is assigned to, everyone can reach the FPM service center by calling 515-294-5100. Employees and students may use the salt/sand shakers located in many building entrances to treat problem areas. Employees also can report a location of concern due to ice/snow using the problem report form.

Safe travels

Environmental health and safety (EHS) offers five tips for walking on snow or ice:

  • Plan ahead to give yourself time
  • Wear shoes or boots with good traction
  • Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles, entering or leaving buildings and climbing or descending stairs
  • Walk on designated walkways
  • Use short steps or shuffle for stability

In addition to proper footwear, dressing for the weather is important. Dress in layers with a first layer that can wick wetness away from skin quickly. Wearing a hat and gloves also keeps heat from escaping your body.

It also is important to prepare your vehicle for winter driving conditions. EHS recommends checking your battery, wipers, defroster, windshield washer fluid and lights. A windshield scraper and small broom will help drivers remove snow and ice prior to driving.

Having a winter car emergency kit is beneficial if the vehicle breaks down or encounters other issues. EHS recommends:

  • A small bag of kitty litter or sand (to use as traction if you get stuck on snow or ice)
  • A shovel (a collapsible one stores well in your vehicle)
  • Ice scraper
  • Water
  • Food (preferably high-energy, non-perishable items)
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight (and batteries)
  • Blankets and warm clothes
  • Plastic bags (for sanitation)

 

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