Parking office enforces winter rules

Chief of Police Karl Fleury sent out an email regarding important snow policies and winter weather equipment check-out on Dec. 5. An important snow removal policy spans from Nov. 1 to March 31, and is needed to maintain access for emergency vehicles.  Roadways, sidewalks, and employee lots will be plowed first. Entrances and exits, along with the main traffic lanes in student lots will be next for snow removal. Students are responsible for immediately removing snow surrounding their vehicles for liability reasons. Therefore, an emergency winter survival kit with a shovel is strongly encouraged.

Fleury talked about the importance of having an emergency snow kit in their vehicle. “As part of my letter, I put in there that people should have an emergency snow kit in their car. This could consist of blankets, road flares, tow straps, and other things to keep them safe” Fleury said.

A limited amount of shovels are available for checkout with a driver’s license or student ID.  Students may check out shovels at the Parking Office, located at 103 Regional Development Institute, Wild Rose Avenue. Hours are Monday through Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Jump starter packs are also available through University Police. If you would like to check out a starter pack outside of business hours, call 715-425-3133.

“Always have a shovel in case you get stuck so you can free yourself potentially. Sometimes they may have to survive in a situation before someone to get them” said Fleury.

If a snow emergency is declared, an email will go out to all permit holders.  This email contains the approved locations that they may park in as well as the specific timeline to do so.  Failure to leave or come back in the timeframe could leave you subject to towing and fines.

Always keep a safe distance from plows and other snow removal equipment while on the sidewalks, streets, and parking lots.  Injuries can happen as the view of the driver can be obstructed. Salt is available at the Parking Office during business hours.