Slip Sliding Away

The weather forecast through large portions of the country contains those dreaded words:  snow, ice, sleet, slush.  If given the choice, most of us would prefer to avoid these weather elements.  But each of us could have reason to venture out during bad weather:  we may need to run to the drugstore, to the doctors, or to the emergency room with an ill loved one.  How can we reduce the risks of slipping and falling on ice?  

Prepare as much as possible in advance:  

·        Don’t go outside without the right footwear.  Boots or overshoes with rubber or rough soles are essential; ice grips or ice cleats can be cheaply purchased as most sporting good stores to make our boots even safer.  Do not attempt to navigate snow or ice on high heels or smooth-surfaced shoes – even if you think you are walking only a short distance on your own driveway.

·        Don’t wear head coverings or scarves that restrict your vision.

·        Wear gloves, not only for warmth but they are an extra layer of cushion for your hands.

·        At the first signs of ice, put down salt (which melts ice) or sand, gravel, cat litter, coal-stove ashes, fertilizer or other abrasives that can give traction.  Keep a container of these products near your door.  When a friend or neighbor asks how they can help, ask them to spread a generous layer of these products. 

·        Ask for help with shoveling snow as soon as possible, before it packs or becomes icy.

When you must go outside:

·        Walk deliberately – “penguin-style.”  Stand as erectly as possible and look a few steps ahead; pick up your feet and take short, deliberate, flat-footed steps.  Don’t attempt your normal stride, and never try to run.

·        Keep your hands out of your pockets as you walk!  Walk with your hands at your sides, slightly away from your sides. 

·        Don’t walk with heavy packages – including grocery bags – that can be destabilizing, obscure your line of sight, and cause you to lose your balance.

·        Be conscious that ice can accumulate anywhere, but is far more likely to build up in shady areas or at the edges of buildings.  Be alert for overhead hazards like icicles as well as water pooling and forming ice from gutter run-off.  Be aware that a solid layer of ice can build beneath or on top of snow. 

·        Turn on your porch lights after dark, so you can more easily detect icy sheen on snow, sidewalk, or driveways. 

·        Be aware that even snow-free walkways can be dangerous, due to “black ice,” the transparent, icy glare that can build up even when there is no apparent snow or slush.

·        Avoid walking in the street if at all possible, remember cars and trucks can slip and slide too.  If you must walk in the street, wear bright, reflective clothing.

If you fall:

·        Most falls feel so sudden we don’t think.  Try to keep your wits about you.  We can control ourselves, but we generally have seconds to prepare ourselves.  Breathe out to relax your body, try turning to the side or go into a “dip” position. Keep your arms extended; don’t try to break your fall with your hands.  Keep your head up, turn it to the side if falling forward, put your hand behind your head or chin to your chest if falling backward. Breaking your fall with your arm or hand may result in a fractured arm or wrist but that is better than a head injury or fractured skull.

·        Don’t delay seeking medical attention if you ache.  Don’t assume you didn’t break anything or that it’s a normal “throb.”  Not all fractures show outward signs of deformity or swelling.  A small bruise for individuals on blood thinners can be hiding a deep internal injury.