Only Step Outdoors If Really Necessary. Always Take Your Time

Reduce Your Risk of Falling During
Cold,Slippery Weather Conditions

Take Care During the cold weather to help prevent slips and falls

During winter the cold weather createstreacherous conditions outdoors, leading to many falls and serious injuries. Attendances at accident and emergency departments increase dramatically during these times with people seeking treatment.

Falls are a significant risk for all age groups but especially for older people. A fall can have a devastating effect on an older person’s health, their confidence, mobility and independence as well as result in serious injuries like broken bones or head injuries.

Golden Rules

Only step outdoors if really necessary. Always take your time.

What’s on your feet and shoes?

Wear proper practical footwear that will support your feet, keep them warm and dry and provide grip – flat soles with good rubber threads are essential. Plastic and leather soles are particularly slippery.
Carry other shoes with you and change indoors if you wish to wear more fashionable shoes.

When indoors do watch out for wet or slippery surfaces from melted snow and ice brought in by other people’s footwear. When entering your own home from outdoors, kick off any excess snow or ice from your shoes. Change into dry shoes and wipe up any wet patches straight away.

How to walk safely (Think Penguin!)

When walking on snow or ice, take short steps even if it means shuffling and walking at a slower pace so you can react and adjust your balance if there is a change in traction and surfaces become very slippery. Pay close attention to what is underfoot and don’t get distracted. If you wear glasses make sure they are clean. If conditions are especially icy, bend slightly, walk flat-footed with your centre of gravity directly over the feet as much as possible.

Try to walk on areas that have been treated with salt, grit or ash, but still take your time. If necessary be prepared to change your normal route so you remain on flat ground or surfaces where possible, even walking across grass or other soft surfaces. This may mean avoiding taking your normal shortcut, so you may need to allow more time for your journey.
Hold on to handrails and other stable structures such as fences and walls. Take care when getting in and out of vehicles by using the vehicle for support. If you feel particularly at risk don’t be afraid to ask for help and have someone accompany you and link your arm to provide you with stability.
If you must walk on the road, walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic and close to the curb. Ensure any hats or scarves do not obstruct your vision – it is important that you can see from side to side to see traffic.
Be vigilant for vehicles which may have lost traction and are slipping towards you. Be aware that vehicles may not be able to stop at stop signs or traffic lights. Don’t venture across roads until you see that traffic has stopped.
At night, wear bright clothing or reflective gear, as dark clothing will make it difficult for motorists to see you. Carry a torch so you can be seen and see your way.
During the daytime, wear bright clothing, you may also find that sunglasses will help you see better, as the sunlight and reflection from snow can be very blinding.
If you fall forward, try to avoid using your arms to break your fall, instead roll onto your thigh, then hip or shoulder.
If your feet go out from under you, try to bend your back and head forward so you won't slam your head on the footpath.

Be Prepared in Case you Fall Outside Your Home

If you are venturing outside your home walking on paths, steps and driveways on your way to the garden, garage or farm, be extra vigilant in you are home alone or at night time. If you have a serious fall and are unable to get up you need to be able to call for help quickly so that you are not lying outside in freezing conditions. A mobile/cordless phone or an aid call pendant/wrist band could be a lifeline. Always carry or wear these items on you even if you are only stepping out for a few moments.

Useful Aids

Floor cloths, rags (to dry up spills)
High visibility wear (to make you more visible to motorists)
Ice clear is a product that can melt frost, ice or snow it sprinkle directly onto paths, steps and driveways.

For Further Information

Visit the Southern Trust’s Falls Directory: