Unfortunately, the weather is getting colder, the leaves have mostly all fallen, and winter is coming soon. This means freezing rain, snow, ice, and the gross slush that’s left all over Hoboken after our typical winter storms. Being properly prepared for these conditions is the best way to stay safe! Here are a few tips for both commuters and those that live in Hoboken or on campus.
Commuters — this time of the year probably sucks. Needing to drive or take public transit to campus everyday when the road conditions are less than ideal and it’s freezing out can lead to a lot of dangerous situations. However, there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself and your car for the winter.
First off, for commuters that drive to campus: Check your car’s fluids! There are winter-specific windshield washer fluids that can help de-ice your windshield when needed. Pair this with a good set of wiper blades, and you won’t need to worry about visibility when it rains or snows. Making sure your car’s coolant level isn’t low is another good habit. The coolant circulates through your heating system, and if it’s low, then not only is your car at risk of overheating and breaking down, but your heating within the car won’t perform as well as it could. The next tip is to check your tires. All-season or Winter-specific tires should be fitted, as they will give you more traction in icy or wet conditions. Ensuring they are aired up to the manufacturer’s recommended specification is a good idea too. Finally, have an emergency kit ready in your car at all times. This kit can include water, snacks, first aid supplies, a blanket, and emergency flares/flashlights. You hopefully will never need to utilize this kit, but in case you do break down during a winter storm, it will be a life saver.
Next up, commuters that take public transit: It’s important to leave your home early when traveling during a storm. Leaving ample time to walk more slowly and carefully is a great way to be safe and still get to class on time. Another good tip is to know another route to get to campus in case your normal train or bus isn’t running for any reason. Maybe a different form of public transit is your best bet, or maybe even just going from another station could work too. If we’re being honest though, missing a class isn’t worth your safety. If the storm is too harsh or your train/bus line isn’t working, email your professor about the situation and they’re likely to work with you. Whether that’s sending you the lecture slides or recording the lecture, your professor will understand and hopefully just cancel or hold the class on Zoom anyways.
Finally, for those that live in Hoboken or on campus. While campus is only a few blocks away and it’s a short, it’s important to stay alert to the potential dangers that can occur during a winter storm. The first tip is to get a good jacket! I’ve tried layering and, while it does work with five or six layers, it’s so much easier and more convenient to wear a warm, wind-resistant jacket and one or two layers with it. Yes, you’ll have to carry it around all day, but trust me — it’s a game changer. Along with a solid jacket, a good pair of boots goes a long way. Not only are they warmer than sneakers, they also have better traction on the soles and can help avoid a dangerous fall. Another good way to help keep your balance is to keep your hands as free as possible and use them to steady yourself when needed.
These were just a few quick tips on staying safe this winter. I’m sure there are a ton I missed, but this should be a good starting point for preparing yourself for the bad weather that inevitably hits at the worst times (…finals). Above all though, use your best judgment and be as careful as possible. Happy holidays, good luck with closing out this semester, and stay safe out there!
