How to Walk on Ice

Thousands of people die each year from falls. Many of them happen during the winter when snow and ice cover walkways and make getting around hazardous. Most businesses and homeowners do a good job of keeping their walkways clear, but sometimes ice may get in the way. Taking some simple precautions will make walking on ice easier and less dangerous.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Wear boots or sturdy shoes with non-skid soles. Don't try walking on ice in shoes that have no traction.
2. Take your time. Getting in a hurry increases your chances of a fall because you're not paying attention.
3. Pay attentive to ice that can be covered with snow. When you think you're in the clear you could still hit a patch and fall.
4. Balance yourself with your arms. Get your hands out of your pockets and distribute the weight of packages evenly to give you better balance.
5. Take short shuffling steps and avoid an erect posture. Walk as flat footed as possible.
6. Get help from someone who is wearing appropriate shoes or is more confident than you. Never be ashamed to ask for someone's arm to help you across a patch of ice.

Tips & Warnings

• Get snow cleared away from walkways and driveways as soon as possible. Melting and refreezing of layered snow can cause heavy patches of ice.
• Use ice melting products regularly around your home and keep some on hand in your car.
• If you feel yourself beginning to fall try to relax and roll as much as possible. This will help lesson the impact and may keep you from breaking a bone. Protect your head if at all possible by trying to keep it up and away from impact with the ice.