Avoid Slips and Falls This Winter
Living in Northeast Ohio, we are well acclimated to winter snow storms and icing conditions. To help avoid serious injuries from slips and falls on slippery walkways this winter, here are a few preventative measures you can take.
When getting out of your vehicle or leaving your house, take small careful steps instead of large ones. Use handrails, handles, or other sturdy objects to help keep your balance. Do not run or try and jump over ice. You may miss, slip and fall on snow covered ice.
Keep your hands free from your coat pockets to help you balance. If you do fall, you will want to your arms readily available to help brace the impact of your fall.
Wear proper footwear for wintry conditions. Better traction will help lessen the likelihood of slips and falls.
Carrying a large load of groceries or other items, where you must use both your arms at the same time, can increase the likelihood of injuring yourself during a fall. You want to have at least one arm free, preferably both, to help break your fall. It is advised that if you feel yourself falling that you should toss your load. This will allow you to use your arms to either stop your fall or use them to absorb the impact of the fall.
To help prevent icy conditions on your walkways or in your driveway, you will want to make sure you shovel and salt those areas regularly, If you are physically unable, you should ask a neighbor or relative for assistance.
