Step Safely: Tips to Avoid Falls in Winter Conditions

When winter brings snow and ice to your area, it also increases the chances of dangerous slips and falls — especially if you’re older. To help you stay safely on the go this winter, the National Council on Aging and the Mayo Clinic recommend taking some simple precautions before you venture outside.

Wear appropriate footwear

If you must walk on slippery paths or sidewalks, be sure to wear shoes or boots made for gripping and stability. Shoes with soft rubber soles and winter-type treads are the best for traction. If your footwear have slip-resistant soles, you can easily attach gripper-style covers commonly found online or at many sporting goods stores.

Also, if you use a cane, make sure the tip is also winterized with a spiked tip.

Clear your sidewalks and driveway

Keep your sidewalks clear of snow and ice. Remember, even after you’ve removed snow, ice can still easily reform as melting and refreezing takes place.

To help rough up icy surfaces, sprinkle them with a chemical deicer available at many grocery and retail stores. If you can’t find deicer, try using cat litter or sand. No matter what you use, keep a bag of it in your coat pocket so you can sprinkle it on slick spots you’ll have to walk across.

Change the way you walk

When walking on snow and ice, go slow and use a wider gait for added stability.

Dress appropriately

Even for a short trip to the mailbox, be sure you put on appropriate footwear, a coat and warm clothes. If you fall and have a hard time getting back up, you’ll want to be dressed as warmly as possible to prevent hypothermia.

Also, always carry your cellphone. It’s your lifeline should you take a tumble and are injured.

What to do if you fall

If you slip on ice or snow, take these simple steps:

• Don’t try to get up right away. First, catch your breath and assess how you feel.
• If you’re able to stand up, roll onto your side, pull your knees toward you, push with your arms and lift yourself up with your legs.
• If someone is helping you get up, be careful not to pull them down, too.
• If no one is around and you can’t get up, use your cellphone to call 911 for assistance.

When snow and ice leave your surroundings slick and treacherous, it’s vital to be prepared when venturing outdoors and to know what to do should you fall. With a few simple precautions, you can make your time outdoors in the winter safer and more enjoyable.

Sources:

ncoa.org/article/winterize-to-prevent-falls/

mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/trauma/news/avoiding-the-slip-winter-fall-prevention/mac-20451039

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