How to Avoid Slipping on Ice this Winter

Brian Acton

Winter precipitation can lead to icy surfaces that pose slipping hazards to anyone who ventures outside. A simple slip and fall can cause injuries that range from moderate, like a bruise or sprain, to major, like broken bones.

This winter, make sure you’re doing everything you can to avoid slipping on ice.

1. Take Care of Walkways

Sidewalks, driveways, footpaths, and other walkways around your home can get icy and threaten anyone who passes through. Make sure you’re prepared for winter weather before it happens by stocking up on the supplies you need. Have a snow shovel ready to remove snow and slush. Treat icy walkways with kitty litter, gravel, or ice melt to improve traction. Don’t forget to check outdoor areas like patios, stairs, and decks.

2. Wear the Right Shoes

Wear the right footwear for slippery surfaces. Shoes with non-slip rubber soles are the best bet for staying upright on the ice. Traction-improving features like treads, cleats, or spikes on the sole can also help your feet grip the ground and avoid a treacherous fall.

3. Avoid Hazardous Areas

It may not be possible to always avoid walking on ice, but you should steer clear of hazardous areas as much as possible. Try not to walk on slopes, from steep hills to the area where your driveway meets the street, for example. Avoid stairs when you can, and make sure to move slowly and use handrails when you can’t.

4. Walk Carefully

Slow and steady is the best way to cross slick surfaces. Take small steps, and when all else fails you can shuffle across the ice like a penguin. Making small, slow movements will help you keep your weight distribution under control and avoid a fall.

What to Do if You Have an Injury

The best thing to do if you do end up falling and suffering a minor injury is to get inside and start treating it as quickly as possible. You can start by using the rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) method to treat the injury:

• Rest: give your injury time to heal and avoid putting any weight or strain on it for at least 24 to 48 hours.
• Ice: applying hot or cold temperatures to your injury can alleviate pain and swelling. Store CorPak Hot & Cold Therapy Packs in the freezer and take them out whenever a recent injury needs some cold therapy. You can also use MicroBeads® Moist Heat Therapy Packs to soothe aching muscles with heat.
• Compression: wrap your injury snugly to prevent swelling and reduce pain. Knee sleeves like the Swede-O® Neoprene Slip-On Knee Sleeve can help relieve aches, pain, and strains caused by a recent injury.
• Elevation: elevating the injury over the level of your heart can draw fluid away from your injury and reduce pain, throbbing, and swelling.

If you suffer a serious injury, don’t wait for it to get better on its own. Visit your doctor or the hospital right away.