Getting Ready for Unpredictable Weather

About this time of year, many of us begin to wonder what surprises Mother Nature will throw our way this winter. For some of us, the unknown may even be a bit exciting! But there is no excitement in finding yourself unprepared, especially when we are responsible for the state’s transportation system. Here are some things you can do to get ready for winter, no matter what comes our way.

As Boy Scouts say, “Be Prepared”

Make sure you understand the “hows” and “whys” of coming into work when the weather is especially nasty. Learn more about what is expected, including information on building closures, by reviewing your agency policies or talking with your supervisor and Human Resources department.

If shoveling snow is a must, learn to do it correctly to prevent injury. See “Tips for Safer Snow Shoveling” from Cornell University.

Shoe traction devices are available for purchase for employees who have to work outdoors. Don’t forget about office staff that might have to trek across an icy road to get the mail!

Maintain physical and mental fitness by staying active and consuming food that has nutritional benefits. For more information, see the article “Stay active — and safe — in fall and winter” on page 5 of this newsletter.

Don’t forget about the building

You can prepare work structures, or your home, for winter by using a checklist such as the one included in the Department of Administrative Services’ RisKey “The Big Chill” available at http://www.oregon.gov/ DAS/SSD/Risk/docs/RisKey/2010 _Big_Chill_OCT_FINAL.pdf?ga=t

Pay particular attention to signs of water incursion such as stains on the ceiling, dampness around window

See page 13 to find out

Can you spot what’s wrong with this picture?

frames or blistered paint. Those drips you caught last winter with the wastepaper basket will be back if the problem wasn’t addressed over the summer. It is very important that water incursion be stopped and that materials that have been wet for more than 48 hours be treated or replaced.

If it has been a while, consider checking your home or office heating system. Filters should be changed according to the manufacturer’s instructions: don’t wait too long and don’t change too frequently.

Review your agency’s plan for ice and snow or see http://www.oregon.gov/ DAS/SSD/Risk/docs/RisKeyNotes/ RN_2010_WINTER.pdf?ga=t. It provides help with guidelines for winter safety and responding to emergencies with they happen. If you already have an agency plan for winter conditions, review it now.

When you’re on the road

Limit travel during severe weather events. Use phone conferencing or other

technology when a meeting can’t be re-scheduled.

Make sure there is a clear understanding of expectations related to driving in poor conditions. If you do have to drive, make sure your gas tank is full and your cell phone is fully charged. You’ll also want to have a warm coat and sensible shoes or boots in the vehicle.  Now is the time to learn about installing tire chains, not when you’re on the side of the road in a blizzard. See the ODOT video on how to install chains and get other winter driving tips at www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/Pages/winterdriving.aspx.

If you find that, despite your preparations, you lost the fight with Mother Nature and buildings or equipment are damaged, you need to report it as soon as possible by contacting your agency Risk Management department.

This article was revised and reprinted from the November edition of Inside ODOT.