Car covered in snow outside of the Central Receiving parking lot on Dec. 3, 2024
Photo courtesy of Chris Doody
BY: CHRIS DOODY, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The winter weather has started at St. Bonaventure University with the first snowfall last week, followed by multiple days of snow.
“I collaborate with the Director of Facilities, Mr. Jared Smith, when a storm is forecasted or when surface conditions become icy,” said Gary Segrue, Associate Dean for Campus Safety. “The Safety and Security dispatcher will contact Mr. Smith when we are in receipt of two inches of snow or more for plowing during non-business hours.”
Facilities on campus have an action plan to deal with winter weather.
“We always err on the side of caution,” said Jared Smith, Director of Facilities Operations. “We place salt down when roads are clear just in case something might happen.”
Smith said that as long as it is snowing they will plow and salt.
“Security is on campus 24/7 (including holidays) and no matter what time of day they will notify Facilities if conditions call for snow removal/salting,” said Smith. “Security also will help with salting, etc. if they can.”
Segrue suggested to avoid winter weather accidents, the campus community could:
- Prepare their vehicle by defrosting windows and brushing off excess snow.
- Install winter tires.
- Drive cautiously by slowing down and increasing the distance between you and the vehicle ahead. Speed limits are for ideal conditions.
- Check weather and road conditions before leaving and give yourself more time to arrive at your destination.
- When parking, back into the parking space. More accidents occur when backing from a parking space than pulling forward as visibility is better.
- Do not use cruise control which could be dangerous on slippery roads and bridges with black ice.
Segrue said when an accident happens on campus and if Safety and Security are contacted, they take appropriate action. Depending on the severity of the incident in terms of damage or injury, they will call law enforcement and EMS to respond and investigate.
“Safety on campus for everyone (students, faculty, staff, and visitors) is top priority for all,” said Smith.
