How to Prevent Slippery Walkways

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Things You'll Need

  • Shovel

  • De-icer

  • Water

  • Bleach

  • Stiff brush

Shovel snow and de-ice sidewalks to prevent walkways from becoming slippery.

Slippery walkways can cause serious injuries to individuals walking on them. They pose a significant risk to the elderly and injured. Slippery walkways occur when snow or ice freezes on a walkway, or algae begins to grow there. You must give attention to your walkways immediately when you notice that they pose a risk. Armed with knowledge on how to prevent your walkways from becoming slippery, you can immediately lower the risk of injury to yourself and others.

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Eliminating Snow and Ice

Step 1

Pay attention to weather predictions in your area. This will allow you to buy shovels or de-icers if you do not already have them. It will also help you predict whether you will be dealing with freezing rain or light, fluffy snow which require different techniques.

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Step 2

Apply a de-icer early in an ice storm, or a storm with heavy wet snow. You can choose between sand, rock salt, potassium chloride and other products.

Step 3

Keep up with shoveling once the snow starts if possible. If it is only a powdery snow, you can just brush it away with a broom. If you cannot keep up with it, just shovel it all away at the end of the storm.

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Step 4

Apply de-icer again if there is any residual snow or ice on the walkway. Clearing the walkway from snow and ice completely will eliminate any slippery spots.

Eliminating Algae

Step 1

Eliminate any shade if possible. The wet, shady areas are most prone to algae growth.

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Step 2

Mix together a solution of bleach and water. The solution should be about 10 percent bleach and 90 percent water.

Step 3

Apply the solution to the walkway, scrubbing with a stiff brush. Apply each time algae begins to grow to prevent a slippery walkway.

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