Post-storm Safety Reminder

Good morning FM team,

First and most importantly, thank you to everyone who has been working so incredibly hard throughout this winter weather event. Digging out and responding to issues has been a sustained, all-hands effort, and I think I speak for the entire campus when I say how deeply appreciated your work is. As cleanup continues and temperatures remain dangerously low, I want to share a few safety reminders 

Safety reminders:

• Even cleared walkways, steps, and entrances may remain icy; move slowly and carefully.
• Exercise caution in shaded areas, high traffic areas, and near buildings, where ice or snow may slide off sloped roofs without warning.
• Wear appropriate footwear with good traction when walking on icy surfaces.
• Use handrails when available, take shorter steps, and allow extra time when moving between locations.

Dress for the weather and watch for signs of cold exposure:

• Layer up for very cold conditions.
• Protect hands, ears, and feet.
• Stay dry and plan for periodic breaks in a warm area when working outdoors for extended periods.
• Be alert for signs of cold stress (e.g., numbness, shivering, confusion) and take breaks to warm up as needed.

Supervisors: please take a moment to reinforce these reminders directly with your teams, particularly those working outdoors or traveling across campus.

Thank you for continuing to look out for one another and for the work you’re doing to keep campus running safely as we continue post-storm cleanup and response.

Best,
Bill

William Olen
Interim Associate Vice President and Chief Facilities Officer
Facilities Management
University of Maryland
301-405-7336
wolen@umd.edu