Safe Winter Walking 

When going out in the ice and snow, follow these tips to help you stay on your feet.

At home:

• Keep your sidewalks and steps clear of snow and ice. Use sand, grit or ice melt to add traction.

Out and about:

• Make a plan. As much as possible, choose a route that is free from ice and snow.
• Take your time and try not to rush.
• Keep your focus on your path. Put away cellphones and other items that may distract while walking.
• Use handrails where available.
• Watch the weather and avoid going out if there has been freezing rain.
• Take extra caution if there are snow drifts, or if it is snowy or windy.
• Report any icy conditions to landlords or businesses. Hazardous ice sidewalks and street crossings can be reported to the municipality. In Winnipeg, call 311.

Also, beware of high snowbanks that make it difficult for drivers and pedestrians to see clearly.

Choose the right winter clothing and gear for you.

• Make sure clothing fits well and provides good support.
• Ensure winter footwear provides traction and has a wide, stable, and non-slip rubber sole. See Footwear for information on choosing safe winter boots.
• Consider wearing ice grippers (see Footwear).
• If you wear a mask outside, wear a tight-fitting one like an N95 to prevent your eyewear from fogging.
• Wear warm mitts or gloves so you don’t need to put your hands in your pockets. Your arms can help you balance, and possibly ease a fall.
• The sun sets early in the winter months. If your route is dark, you may want to use a headlamp to help light your way.
• Trekking poles (also called hiking poles, hiking sticks or walking poles) can be used for extra support.
• If you use a cane, you can buy an ice pick attachment for outdoor use. The ice pick flips up out of the way when you go indoors.

Walk like a penguin:

Penguins are great at moving around safely on snow and ice.  If you are unable to avoid a patch of ice, walking like a penguin can prevent a fall. Walking like a penguin means moving slowly and taking very small steps. This way you shorten the time you have to balance on one foot. You should also keep your feet pointed outward to allow for wider base of support, and your knees slightly bent to lower your center of gravity. Your hands should be kept out to your side for balance like a penguin’s wings.

(Video shared with permission from Alberta Health Services) 

 

What to do if you fall?

• The first thing to do is catch your breath. Take your time to assess whether it is safe for you to get up. Try to keep calm (see Getting up from a fall).
• Determine if you are injured. Did you hit your head, or hurt your ankle, hip, wrist or elbow?  Do you feel shaky or dizzy?
• If you are injured or you need help getting up from a fall, call 911 on your cellphone or use your mobile help button to call for help. If you are unable to make a call, yell for someone to come and help you.
• If you don’t think you are injured and want to get up, wait until your body feels ready to get up.
  • Move slowly and mindfully.
  • Try to roll onto your side.
  • Pull yourself onto your hands and knees.
  • Crawl to a chair, couch, bench, tree, street sign, or other sturdy object that you can use for support as you get up.

Learn from the fall:

After a slip on the ice or snow, thinking back to what caused the fall can help you avoid having another fall. Ask yourself “What was I doing?” and “What could I have done differently?” Use this information when you are planning your next walk.