How to Navigate Snow and Ice Safely in Illinois Winters

For Illinois, the snow is inevitable and expected in the winter, even arriving in late fall or early spring. Snow and ice affect the state for sometimes up for six months out of the year. While inconvenient, it is important to take precautions when trekking in and managing the snow. Below are lists of tips to avoid falls while walking and shoveling snow this winter.


Tips for walking in the snow:

Wear appropriate clothing and footwear: While sometimes unfashionable and bulky, wearing appropriate clothing and shoes for braving the ice and snow are key aspects to not falling. Rubber soled shoes, tailored pants that are not too long, and well-fitting clothes that do not restrict movement are all good options when walking in the snow. When walking through snow, unless the snow is fresh, ice and slush build up under the powdery snow. If not prepared with good footwear, traction can be lost, and injuries can result, especially if shoes are not supportive, like sneakers or loafers. Wearing layers, while not helpful in preventing falls, is a good cushion, should you fall and will ensure warmth.

Take smaller and slower steps: Even on seemingly clear paths, slowing down and taking smaller than usual steps can help reduce your risk of falls. Sometimes pavement just looks wet when it is iced over. If smaller and slower steps are taken, you are more cognizant of what you are stepping on and can divert from a slippery path quicker than if you were not paying attention to your steps.

Keep hands free for balance: Although walking in and out of places may warrant carrying a bag or box of some sort, if you must carry something, make sure it is light and not obstructing your view. If your hands are free, keep them on each side of your rather than in your pockets to assist with balance.

Wipe shoes down after being in the ice and snow: After being outside in the snow, it is important to wipe off shoes to avoid ice freezing to the bottoms and creating a slick surface. In public spaces, be sure to utilize doormats when walking into a building to wipe shoes off shoes.

Use handrails or buildings for support: If you are walking in the snow and the ground feels slick, try to get close to buildings or to a handrail for extra support when walking.

Use designated walkways and cleared paths: Although during mild weather, you may have a shortcut to take, it is important to stick to the main walkways that have been cleared.

Plan ahead: When snow or ice are in the forecast, anticipate adding time and steps to your daily routine and commute.

Tips for safe snow shoveling:

Beware of health issues: Anyone with any pre-existing injuries or heart conditions should take extreme caution, or if able, refrain from removing snow. If you must remove snow, wear a personal safety alert device, like Life Alert.

Listen to your body: Shoveling snow works out more muscles than the average person is used to. If when shoveling, you feel winded or strain, take a break. 

Maintain good posture and form: While shoveling is mostly arm work, it is important to bend your knees and lift with your legs to avoid injuries or muscle strain.
 
Be knowledgeable of divots and dips in pavement: Especially when shoveling concrete, be aware of divots or dips in pavement that may catch your shovel and cause you to lose your balance.
 
Keep ahead of snow: If possible, remove snow in layers versus all at once. Snow, when freshly fallen, is thin and powdery, making it much easier to move. Once snow has sat, it typically packs together, making it much heavier and harder to move.
 
Push don’t lift: When possible, choose to push snow off surfaces or pavement rather than lifting and throwing it in the air. This method puts less strain on your heart and muscles and allows for you to conserve more energy. If you must lift, try to not lift your shovel above your heart.

Use the right tools for the job: It is important when shoveling snow to ensure you are using an appropriate shovel. Not all shoves are made to push or remove snow. In addition to using the right type of shovel, using a shovel that matches your height is also important. Typical shovels are 48” tall but can come as tall at 54”. Ideally, the shovel should be approximately 4” below your shoulders, when standing straight. Using the right tool that is the right size helps to remove snow easier and prevents injuries.

Use ice melt or salt: Under snow, ice can form from the rise and fall of temperatures. Before walking on the snow to shovel, put down ice melt or salt to deice and ensure surfaces are not as slippery.

Although falls cannot be prevented entirely, it is important to be careful when out and about during the winter months. Remember to always keep your phone on you and be aware of the forecast and impending weather.

Read more:
Labels: ,