Fall safety reminder: Stay alert, stay prepared

As the fall season arrives, changing weather, shorter days and increased activity across campus can create new safety concerns. A few simple precautions can help keep our Augustana community safe throughout the season.

Be prepared for changing weather. Fall temperatures can change quickly. Dress appropriately for the conditions, wear footwear with good traction during wet or frosty weather and use extra caution around wet leaves, slick sidewalks, stairs and building entrances.

Stay vigilant as daylight decreases. With the days getting shorter, many of us will be arriving, leaving or walking across campus after dark. Stay aware of your surroundings, use well-lit walkways whenever possible, avoid distractions such as looking at your phone while walking and use extra caution in parking lots and when crossing streets.

See it? Report it. Keep an eye out for potential hazards such as poor lighting, slippery walkways, damaged handrails, blocked exits or other unsafe conditions. Prompt reporting gives the college an opportunity to address concerns before they result in an injury. Remember that you can contact our Public Safety Department by picking up one of our phones and dialing 7000, or to call them from your cell phone, dial 309-794-7000.

Remember: Safety is a shared responsibility. Staying alert, preparing for seasonal conditions and speaking up when you notice a hazard can make a meaningful difference in keeping our campus safe this fall.