Winter Safety Checklist: Preventing Slips and Falls on Ice

1. Exterior Maintenance (The First Line of Defense)

• [ ] Clear the Path: Shovel snow immediately before it has a chance to pack down and turn into ice.
• [ ] Apply Traction: Keep a bucket of sand, salt, or birdseed near the doorway to treat steps and walkways before you step outside.
• [ ] Check Lighting: Ensure all outdoor walkways are brightly lit. Replace burnt-out bulbs with high-visibility LEDs, as early sunsets increase fall risks.
• [ ] Inspect Railings: Make sure all exterior handrails are sturdy and not loose; you will be leaning on them more heavily in slippery conditions.

2. Proper Footwear (Your Grip on the Ground)

• [ ] Check the Sole: Wear boots with high-traction rubber soles and deep treads (lugs). Avoid smooth-soled shoes or heels.
• [ ] Use "Ice Cleats": For heavy snow or ice, attach removable traction aids (like Yaktrax or ice spikes) to your boots.
• [ ] Indoor/Outdoor Transition: Always change out of wet boots immediately upon entering the house. Melting snow on tile or hardwood creates an invisible indoor slip hazard.

3. Walking Techniques (Moving with Intention)

• [ ] The "Penguin Walk": When walking on suspect surfaces, bend slightly forward, keep your center of gravity over your front leg, and take short, shuffling steps.
• [ ] Avoid Distractions: Never walk with your hands in your pockets (you need them for balance) or while looking at a phone.
• [ ] Test the Surface: Before stepping out of a car or off a curb, tap the pavement with your foot to see if it is "black ice."

4. Mobility Aids & Gear

• [ ] Ice Tips for Canes: If you use a cane, purchase an "ice pick" attachment that flips down to provide a metal spike for better grip on frozen ground.
• [ ] Carry a Cell Phone: Always have a charged phone in an easy-to-reach pocket (not tucked away in a bag) in case you do fall and need to call for help.
• [ ] Bright Clothing: Wear high-contrast colors so snowplow drivers and other pedestrians can see you clearly during storms or at dusk.

5. Indoor Preparedness

• [ ] Entrance Mats: Place heavy-duty, non-slip absorbent mats at every entrance to catch moisture from boots.
• [ ] Strategic Seating: Keep a sturdy chair or bench near the door so you can sit down to change your shoes safely.

Pro-Tip for Caregivers:

If you are visiting a senior during the winter, do a "perimeter check" every time you arrive. Look for "black ice" patches where gutter downspouts may have drained and refrozen, creating a hazard across the walkway.