As the snow and holidays are approaching, it is important that everyone is safe about how they are going about their daily lives.  

Director of Residence Life, Pete Rizzo said that if COVID–19 cases are still high, everyone might be better off staying at home.  

“So with that, students should continue to follow CDC, local and state guidelines, including following the Four Pillars WSC has outlined this year when traveling and when gathering for the holidays,” Rizzo said. The four pillars include Hygiene, Masks, Social Distancing, and Self-Screening.  

“After Thanksgiving, then of course comes December and the holidays (Christmas, Winter break, New Years, etc.),” Rizzo said. There will still be holiday parties and family gatherings but in this era of COVID–19, it is crucial to adhere to CDC and state and local guidelines.  

If you are going to be in Nebraska over the break, there is bound to be snowy weather.  “Students can prepare for winter months in a number of ways,” Jason Mrsny, campus security manager, said. “For their vehicles, make sure the battery is in good condition.  Connections should be clean, and the battery should have a good charge. Make sure the tires are safe.  Check the fluids in your car.  Full of oil and antifreeze.  Have a safety kit in your vehicle.  Bottled water, gloves, hats, blanket, extra coat, boots, jumper cables or jump box, tow strap, some ice melt, gravel or kitty litter to help if you are stuck on ice.”  

Driving in winter can be hazardous, so it is important to be prepared for driving in icy conditions. Visibility can be limited, and the road surfaces can become very slippery, Mrsny said.  

“Give yourself plenty of time to get from A to B,” Rizzo said. “Driving in snowy conditions means you will drive slower than normal. Always drive to conditions. The road surface may have black ice, so avoid speeding or braking suddenly.”  Take corners and curves smoothly and leave plenty of distance between you and the driver in front in case they brake suddenly.  

When students return from break, the chances that the snow will still be around are pretty high.  

“Personally, students can prepare by dressing warm,” Mrsny said. “Adequate shoes or boots, coat, gloves and hat. Students living in the dorms should plan just as any other day.” During winter months, the entrances to the dorms can become slick.  Walk with caution, to avoid slipping and falling. 

 “Snow can affect students in a number of ways,” Mrsny said. “Be sure to dress warm, plan ahead as your commute may take more time, and walk with caution in slick or icy areas.  Snow will require us to take a little extra time.”