Be Prepared for Winter Driving

This coming Sunday evening, October 26, could bring the valley its first winter snowflakes. While the chance is already low, and the chance to accumulate even lower (near zero percent), it is time start preparing our minds and lives for winter safety. 

New rain and snowmelt could lift oils on the roads to the surface, making them slick and increasing the distance it takes for you to stop. Drive just a little more slowly than you normally do and keep a greater distance from the vehicles in front of you. Also make sure your tires and brakes are ready to do the stopping you need. 

On November 12 from 2 - 4 p.m. in the parking lots on the west side of the Taylorsville Redwood Campus, Utah Highway Patrol will be helping people check their cars for winter readiness. Students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to stop by to have their tire tread, air pressure, and brake pads reviewed for safety for free. You may also receive a free safety kit (while supplies last). 

It's also smart to assume there will be at least one day this winter with either a delayed class start time or campus closure due to snow. The best way to get that message is to download SLCC Safe and allow it to send you notifications. The only notifications you will ever receive from this app are hand-typed by me and intended to keep you safe. Use one of the links below to download it. 

SLCC Safe App for Android phones

SLCC Safe App for Apple phones

If you have any questions or concerns about your safety, you can message me using the app or email me at Michael.Gipson@slcc.edu and I will be happy to talk to you about your concerns. Stay safe, Bruins! 

A Note on Elevator Safety

Everyone has either watched a scene or imagined what it would be like to be trapped in an elevator. If any horror movies you’ve watched this Halloween season has had a scene like this, I’m sure it was quite terrifying. In reality, however, there is absolutely no need to be frightened. From time to time, elevators in any building may stop or become stuck. While this may initially seem pretty scary, the following information may help you see just how mundane of an event it is — you are much more likely to be bored for a few minutes than frightened. 

Every elevator is equipped with an emergency call button. These will reach help even if power is out and the elevator is stuck. The elevator doors may not be able to be opened by your strength alone, but technicians will be able to open the door regardless of where it is stuck. People tend not to be stuck for very long, and we can assure you the elevator will never fall to the ground. Elevators have many safety mechanisms in place to make sure you either never get stuck at all, or can reach help if you are. 

Take time to familiarize yourself with the buildings you frequent and their stairways and emergency exits. Visually locate the emergency call buttons in the elevators you use. And take a moment to download SLCC’s safety app, aptly named “SLCC Safe.” While the app won’t teach you how to repair stuck elevators, it will make that scenario and others like it far less frightening for you to deal with. 

If you have questions about your safety, you can submit them using the “Comments / Questions” button at the bottom of the app, and they will come directly to me, your friendly SLCC Emergency Manager. And as always, never use an elevator to evacuate during a fire alarm!

If you have questions, please feel free to contact Michael Gipson, Deputy Director of Emergency Management, at michael.gipson@slcc.edu or 801-657-4538.