These weather conditions pose a severe risk to health and safety as well as traveling. In a conversation with MSUPD’s Emergency Manager Natisha Foster, the prevailing sentiment is: if you don’t need to travel, don’t. She also urges people to visit ready.gov for more detailed safety tips.

The most important tips Foster has for staying safe during this storm are to pay attention to forecasts and current conditions, wear multiple loose-fitting layers for warmth and to report any storm damage that could pose a risk to others.

For those who need to travel during this storm, Foster recommends slowing down and carefully planning your trips. Important items to have in your car include jumper cables, cat litter or sand, an emergency kit that includes food and water, a phone charger, and an ice scraper.

If you become stranded in your car, Foster advises not to leave your car and to call for help.

When walking outside make sure to wear a coat, mitten or gloves, and a hat. In addition to those pieces of clothing, Foster recommends a face covering to protect your lungs from the potentially frigid air. While outside, pay attention to your own body and immediately seek warmth if any part of your body starts to lose feeling.

Journalism junior Satvik Shubham is Scandinavian and has experience coping with severe winter and heavy snowfall. He recommends that if you find yourself stuck in your dorm to take advantage of building recreation or entertainment rooms, talk to and check up on friends, and to stay informed about current conditions and recent developments.

Aside from public safety concerns, Michigan State University also prioritizes the vulnerable during inclement weather situations.

According to IPF Landscaping Services Manager Matt Bailey, IPF prepares for snow removal by dividing campus into 12 areas and assign a supervisor to each area to ensure proper snow removal. Locations that house people with disabilities are prioritized for snow removal and frequent monitoring for upkeep.

Campus bus stops and main roads are also cleared to ensure safe traveling and public transportation. IPF asks that if you are driving and parking on campus, that you park in parking garages and to avoid residential parking loops and parking lots so snow can be easily removed from those areas.

Campus officials strongly urge pedestrians to be cautious around road crossings and to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the road. Safety is a priority during inclement weather and the prevailing sentiment from campus officials is to stay informed about current conditions and to carefully plan any form of travel, be prepared and to be safe.