Avoiding Slips and Falls during the Winter Months
Avoiding slips and falls is of utmost importance in the winter, when sidewalks and front stoops can be icy or wet. Each year, accidental slips and falls cause thirty thousand serious injuries and twenty thousand deaths. Fortunately, if you are careful you can usually avoid them. Hopefully you will never have to deal with any sort of slip and fall leading to injury. However, if you ever do, and feel you are severely injured, call 911 and visit a freestanding emergency room or emergency room.
- No matter how cold your hands, keep them free when walking outdoors in winter. Do not keep your hands in your pockets, but rather have them free to catch you if you begin to slip.
- Dress for success. In the winter, this means having the proper footwear. Your shoes need to keep you warm and provide traction, and whether or not they look fabulous is of secondary concern. Gloves will help, too, by helping you resist the urge to put hands in your pockets.
- Use great caution when approaching snow or ice. Test it with your toe before you walk on it, to stay safe. Then, take small steps and do not hurry. Safety should be your primary focus.
- Do not carry large loads when walking through snow and ice. If you are carrying something, and you start to fall, toss the load and use your arms to break your fall.
- Help the elderly to stay safe, too. Seniors are at higher risk of broken bones and dangerous injuries, so lend a hand when you can. If you are older, ask for help when you need it.
- Plan your route for safety. Even if it takes a little extra time, it is worth it. When you see an especially dangerous area, make a mental note of it, and warn others.
- Be especially careful during transitions. Many falls happen when people are getting in and out of cars, so take care. When entering a building, wipe your feet to rid them of excess moisture.
Avoiding slips and falls is one way of staying safe during the winter months. For more helpful tips, check out First Choice Emergency Room’s website. Additionally, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, to join the online community and learn more about living a safe and healthy life.
