Most people have seen someone take a nasty spill on slippery winter ground. You may have even been the victim of it yourself. Whether it’s some unsuspecting, nearly invisible ice on your front porch steps, or that deceitful greasy floor surface near an entrance to the outside world that could double as a hockey rink, the possibilities of winding up on your rear more than your feet this winter seem endless.
Follow these 10 tips to make sure you’re staying safe when walking around in snowy and icy conditions:
- Walk slowly and carefully. Wear boots or other slip-resistant footwear.
- Use special care when getting in and out of vehicles. Use the vehicle for support if you need to do so.
- Watch for slippery floors when you enter any building or home.
- Try to avoid carrying items, or walking with your hands in your pockets; this can reduce your ability to catch yourself if you lose your balance. Instead, carry a backpack if you have one.
- Watch out for black ice.
- Tap your foot on potentially slick areas to see if the areas are slippery.
- Walk as flat-footed as possible in very icy areas.
- Avoid uneven surfaces if possible. Avoid steps or curbs with ice on them.
- Report any untreated services to Maintenance and Facilities.
- Remember: Ice and snow mean take it slow!