Plan Smart, Stay Warm

Snow on the Bronze Bison (Buffalo) outside the Center for the Arts, CFA, on North Campus, photographed in January 2025.

Published February 13, 2026

Buffalo winters bring cold temperatures, snow, and icy conditions, this means taking a little extra care when going out. Alcohol and other drugs can make it harder to stay warm, judge the weather, or get home safely, increasing the risk of falls, hypothermia, and other injuries.

Whether you’re heading to a gathering or just out in the cold, plan ahead by:

  • Buffalo cold is no joke: wear layers, cover exposed skin, and choose boots that can handle snow and ice, fashion can wait, warmth can’t. Consider thrifting a coat that you don’t mind leaving behind.
  • Don’t go solo in the snow: Stick together and help each other navigate icy paths. Friends make winter nights safer (and funnier). And don’t forget the Guardian App, your safety buddy on campus, anytime, anywhere.
  • Play smart, not sorry: Know your limits! Make sure you pace yourself to one drink an hour, eat a full meal before drinking, and keep your night memorable for the right reasons.
  • Don’t ghost your way home: Whether is be Uber, Lyft, walking, or the bus, know your ride and your route home. Use the Guardian app to keep track of friends if you need to separate for the night. 

Looking out for yourself and each other helps everyone get through winter safely. Stay warm, stay aware, and take care this season.

Know the signs of alcohol poisoning: Too much alcohol can turn a cozy night into an emergency fast. 

If you see some experiencing a cluster of these symptoms 

  • Vomiting
  • Unconsciousness/Passed Out
  • Slow Breathing (fewer than 8 breaths a minute)
  • Irregular Breathing 
  • Blue, Gray, or Pale skin
  • Low body temperature
  • Confusion/Stupor
  • Seizures 

Call UPD if you are on campus or 911 off campus and stay with the person until help arrives. 

Feeling a little nervous about making the call? UB’s Good Samaritan Policy has your back — if you call for help in an alcohol or drug-related emergency, you won’t get in trouble for policy violations. When in doubt, call for help and stay until it arrives. Safety comes first. 

For more services and opportunities like this:

Health Promotion

Student Life

University at Buffalo
114 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: 716-645-2837; Fax: 716-645-6234