As winter settles in and temperatures begin to drop, the High School of Fashion Industries is reminding families of the importance of cold-weather safety for all students who commute to and from school. Whether traveling by foot, bus, or subway, students face increasingly challenging conditions during the colder months, and a few simple precautions can make a significant difference in keeping them safe, healthy, and prepared for the school day.
Dressing appropriately is one of the most effective ways to protect against the cold. We encourage families to ensure that students leave home wearing warm, layered clothing, including a winter coat, hat, gloves, and scarf. Layering helps students stay insulated outdoors and remain comfortable as they transition into warmer indoor spaces. Footwear is equally important—waterproof boots or shoes with strong traction can prevent slips on icy or wet sidewalks.
Because daylight fades much earlier during the winter months, visibility becomes a key safety concern. Students should take extra care when walking before sunrise or after sunset, and we recommend wearing light-colored or reflective clothing whenever possible. Staying alert during the commute is essential as well. The colder it gets, the easier it is for students to rush or become distracted, so we strongly encourage them to remove earbuds and keep their attention on their surroundings. This is especially important near crosswalks, busy intersections, subway platforms, and stairways that may be slippery.
Cold weather will also slow transportation, and we ask students to give themselves a little extra travel time. Leaving a few minutes early can reduce the need to rush, lowering the risk of accidents.
Since low temperatures drain phone batteries more quickly, students should charge their phones fully before leaving home and keep them accessible during their commute. It’s also helpful to check MTA updates each morning and be familiar with an alternate route in case of delays or service changes.
If at any point a student feels unsafe due to weather conditions, they should seek shelter in a nearby store or public building and contact a parent, guardian, or the New York City Police Department for assistance.
We also encourage families to keep children home if they are experiencing symptoms of illness such as fever, chills, or persistent cough, as cold weather can make respiratory conditions worse and increase the risk of spreading sickness.
HSFI is committed to supporting our students throughout these challenging winter months. The school can provide assistance with a range of cold weather concerns, including access to warm clothing, basic essentials, and food support. Families and students who may need help are encouraged to speak with a Peace Teacher or a Guidance Counselor, who can connect them with available resources quickly and confidentially.
By working together and planning ahead for winter conditions, we can ensure that all HSFI students arrive at school safely and ready to learn. We thank our families for their continued support and commitment to keeping our school community safe throughout the cold season.