Winter isn’t quite over yet, and as temperatures start to warm up you may actually start to see more ice while on your route due to freezing rain. Slipping and falling can cause serious injury, especially if you fall on stairs or while on the road. We have some tips that will help you stay safe while trekking across ice.
Wear the appropriate footwear for ice. This may mean investing in the right shoes, or paying for ice cleats for extra safety while walking. If the soles or heels of your shoes are smooth, you need new ones for icy conditions.
Stick to sidewalks. It’s not uncommon to take shortcuts across lawns, but doing so when there’s snow and ice can lead to injury. You have no way of knowing what obstacles, including ice, are hidden under the snow.
Watch where you are stepping, not the mail. Being distracted for a few seconds can result in a painful fall.
If you are walking on ice, take short, smallsteps and move slowly, almost like you are shuffling. If you’re moving too fast it’s easy to lose your balance and have your foot slip out from under you.
Walk so you’re slightly bent forward, and try to keep your center of gravity as fully on your feet as possible.
Always hold on to a railing if one is available when climbing stairs. It will keep you steady on your way up.
Be careful when exiting or entering your vehicle. Use the car as support when you step either in or out.
Watch out for black ice. Any surface that appears wet can be black ice during the winter months, so approach with caution.
Follow these tips to stay as safe as possible during winter!
