Numerous injuries result from slips and falls on icy sidewalks, parking lots, roads, and other outdoor locations. Here are 10 tips to reduce injuries from wet and icy surfaces.

1. Snow removal and salting of slick areas can help. However, many times, total elimination of the hazard is impossible.
2. Be aware of your surroundings. Anticipate the fact that you are apt to fall at any moment when walking on ice. Often ice will appear in the morning, in shady spots, or where the sun shines during the day and melted snow refreezes at night.
3. Wear appropriate footwear. Footwear should have low heels with soles constructed of a slip-resistant material. Don’t wear footwear that is not able to grip the surface on which you are walking.
4. Be careful when shifting your weight. When stepping off a curb or getting into a car, shifting your weight may cause an imbalance and result in a fall.
5. Adjust your stride. Take shorter steps and walk with your feet spread further apart laterally so that your center of gravity is maintained directly above your feet at all times.
6. Plan ahead. While walking on snow or ice, walk consciously. Instead of looking down, look up to see where your feet will move next to anticipate ice or an uneven surface. Occasionally scan from left to right to ensure you are not in the way of vehicles or other hazards. Be careful about what you walk under. Injuries can result from falling snow/ice as it blows, melts, or breaks away from buildings.
7. While seeing the environment is important, you also want to listen for approaching traffic and other noises. Avoid listening to music or engaging in conversation that may prevent you from hearing oncoming traffic or snow removal equipment.
8. Take steps slowly. When walking down steps, be sure to grip handrails firmly and plant your feet securely on each step.
9. Don’t take shortcuts. A shortcut path may be treacherous if it is located where snow and ice removal is not possible.
10. Watch out for wet entryways. When you get to your destination, be sure to look at the floor as you enter the building. The floor may be wet with melted snow and ice. Try not to track snow into buildings. Wipe your feet off at the entrance so others won’t slip and fall on melted snow.

Chris Nickell, Environmental Health & Safety

Portable electric space heaters can be a convenient source of supplemental heat in cold weather. Unfortunately, they can pose significant fire and electric shock hazards if not used properly. Space heaters without adequate safety features, those placed near combustibles, or space heaters that are improperly plugged in can cause fire and electrical hazards.

Space heaters used at Drake should meet the following safety criteria:

• Tip-over power cut-off switch 
• Automatic thermostat control 
• Overheat protection device (shuts power off if unit overheats)
• UL approval 
• Housing that is cool to touch 

Safety should always be a top consideration when using space heaters. Here are some tips for keeping safe and warm when it’s cold outside:

• Make sure your space heater has the label showing that it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory.
• Before using any space heater, read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully.
• Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn or damaged, do not use the heater.
• Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you’re leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Proper placement of space heaters is critical. Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs.
• Locate space heaters out of high traffic areas and doorways where they may pose a tripping hazard.
• Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.
• Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, or furniture
• Always unplug and safely store the heater when it is not in use.

Chris Nickell, Environmental Health & Safety

Online Graduate Programs has merged with several professional and continuing education programs across Drake to form Drake Online and Continuing Education. Christina Trombley will serve as the executive director and includes what was formerly Executive Education out of the President’s Office and has stronger ties with the work done through the Center for Professional Studies and training and development at The Robert D. and Billy Ray Center. 

Drake Online and Continuing Education will strengthen collaboration and centralize many services, increasing both efficiency and effectiveness of Drake’s continuing and professional education services while eliminating duplication of efforts and confusion in the marketplace. Drake Online and Continuing Education will oversee all new business moving forward, including decisions on pricing, contracts, marketing, curricular and programmatic changes, and responsibilities. 

The new team has spent the last three months strategizing and developing major goals for the next year. These goals establish both the direction for this new team and the guidelines for how Drake will proactively work to become a resource for businesses and organizations in the Des Moines metro and the state of Iowa. The goals are as follows:

• Develop the model/processes to create “multiple touches” from DSM businesses
• Clarify markets and customer benefits to streamline sales
• Identify new opportunities and leverage goodwill within DSM and Iowa
• Develop and maintain human capital resources to provide training/consulting
• Clarify financial management and budgets for programs
• Develop system(s) and processes for registration and reporting to quantify economic data impact

Drake University has ample opportunity for market penetration and product development. By working together under the umbrella of Drake Online and Continuing Education more businesses can be reached without duplicating efforts. In addition, by focusing on business and customer needs, new products and programming can be developed to meet the changing needs of businesses. Currently, work is happening to strengthen marketing efforts for Leading Others, determine specific stand-alone programming for both open enrollment and customized training, and to develop certificate programs for the area’s workforce.   

Christina Trombley, Drake Online and Continuing Education