How To Prevent Snow And Ice-Related Injuries On Your Property
Falling snow may look beautiful, but as it collects on your roof and walkways, that mesmerizing sight can quickly become a dangerous liability. Thousands of people suffer snow and ice-related injuries in the winter, and it can happen right outside your home. To keep everyone safe on your property this winter, take steps to prevent injuries caused by ice and snow.
To reduce the risk of slips and falls, remember to remove snow and ice early and often. Use snow melt or salt to prevent ice from forming, and sand or kitty litter to improve traction. Install handrails on stairs, and add lighting to make it safer to walk at night. You can also add small rugs or non-slip mats to walking paths before company arrives.
Winter is a season full of festive holiday celebrations and cozy evenings indoors. It should be a joyful time of year, but one slip on the ice can totally derail your life for months. So, you need to find ways to keep yourself, your family, and anyone who visits you this winter safe from getting hurt. Keep reading to learn the top ways to prevent snow and ice-related injuries on your property.
14 Ways To Prevent Winter-Related Injuries On Your Property
1. Shovel Walkways
The best way to reduce the risk of slipping on ice and snow is to remove it. Shoveling your walkways early and often is a great way to keep your family injury-free throughout the winter. Don’t wait until all the snow has fallen to remove it. Not only will this be more challenging, but it increases the risk of ice forming. After you clear away the snow, revisit the area later, as snow and ice often reappear on cleared paths.
2. Use De-Icer Or Salt
Ice contributes to many winter injuries. You can slip, even with the right footwear. It’s also hard to see. Luckily, several products can eliminate ice and prevent it from forming in the first place. Several icemelts and sidewalk salt options help keep melted snow liquid, making it harder for sheets of ice to form, and ensures your walkways will be less slippery.
3. Sprinkle Sand Or Kitty Litter
If you can't eliminate snow and ice from your walkways, consider adding something on top to make the surface less slippery. Sand is a popular, affordable option, since you can easily sprinkle it on ice and sweep it away once the weather improves. Kitty litter is unique and effective. The grainy nature of kitty litter adds traction, reduces the risk of slipping, and also helps absorb water before it has the chance to turn into ice.
4. Well-Lit Yard And Walkways At Night
Ice patches are easy to overlook at any time of day, but they are more difficult to see in the dark. Lighting your yard, and your driveway and walkways in particular, is an effective way to make your property safer in the winter. You're less likely to fall on slippery terrain when you can see exactly where you are stepping. Consider adding motion-sensor floodlights in winter, plus additional lighting along your front paths and driveway.
5. Install Handrails
Your front steps can turn into danger zones after a snowstorm. Walking up and down slippery stairs can be dangerous, especially if you have nothing to hold on to. If your front steps don’t have handrails, consider adding them before winter arrives. Handrails make it safer to walk up and down outdoor steps when covered with snow and ice, and also keeps elderly and mobility-impaired individuals safe when entering and exiting your home.
6. Add Mats Inside And Outside Front Door
Welcome mats aren’t simply decoration. They serve a practical purpose, especially during winter storms. Outdoor mats help you remove snow from the bottom of your shoes, and indoor mats prevent puddles from forming inside. Ensure you have quality mats to prevent injuries from occurring inside your home, which can happen when the floor becomes wet and slippery due to melted snow. It will also help prevent dirt and mud from bein racked through your home.
7. Position Downspouts Away From Driveway And Walkways
Reducing ice near your walkways and driveway is easier to do if you redirect water and melted snow away from those areas. One great way to do this is to reposition or extend your downspouts. These can create large puddles after a snowstorm, especially as it melts during the day. Redirecting this water into your yard or further away from your driveway will reduce the risk of ice forming in heavily trafficked areas.
8. Inspect Outdoor Areas Before Company Arrives
If you live in a cold region with frequent winter storms, it’s impossible to keep your outdoor areas pristine and perfectly safe all the time. What you can do, however, is make sure they're slip-proof and hazard-free when it matters most. Before you expect visitors, walk outside and make sure your front entrance, walkways, and driveway are as safe as possible. Apply more ice-melting granules and sand as needed to remain accident-free.
9. Avoid Hosting Gatherings Close To A Winter Storm
Perhaps the easiest way to prevent injuries on your property in winter is not to invite people over when a winter storm is forecast. While it might sound like a great idea to ride out a storm with friends and family, think about the dangers on the road and in your front yard. Timing is everything when it comes to dangerous winter conditions. Try to host gatherings only when your yard is safe and no storms are looming.
10. Gutter Maintenance
Gutters play a pivotal role throughout the winter. They often work overtime as snow gathers and rapidly melts and refreezes on your roof. If your gutters are damaged or clogged, you may experience all sorts of issues, including several safety hazards. Clogged or damaged gutters can lead to large ice formations, frequent icicles, and water overflow. Before winter weather arrives, take the time to clean and maintain your gutters. Keeping them pristine will reduce the risk of several serious ice-related safety incidents.
11. Proper Clothing And Safety Gear When Working Outdoors
Whenever you venture outside to clear your driveway and walkways, remember to wear proper clothing. Gloves, a hat, face protection, and proper winter boots are all essential. Also, while it may be frigid outside, you are likely to sweat as you work under several insulating layers. Remember to take breaks and stay hydrated. Dressing appropriately and taking care of your body will reduce the risk of getting hurt when shoveling.
12. Remove Icicles
Icicles are fascinating to look at, but they can cause significant harm if they fall on you. These sharp ice formations are essentially frozen daggers, which means you need to remove them safely as soon as possible. Pay particular attention to any icicles directly above the front door and driveway,
13. Shoes-Off Policy
While most snow and ice-related injuries occur outside the home, some may occur inside. Puddles can quickly form on your tile and wood floors as snow melts from shoes and boots. These puddles become slip hazards and also make your home dirty. Consider starting a shoes-off policy in the winter to keep snow out of the house. Add a shoe rack or mat by the front door so people can leave their shoes there when they enter.
14. Non-Skid Mats Or Outdoor Rugs
If you want to go the extra mile for your guests, you can invest in non-skid mats or outdoor rugs with quality traction. By strategically placing mats or rugs along walkways, you make the ground safer and much less slippery.Â
Wrapping Up How To Prevent Snow And Ice-Related Injuries On Your Property
Winter weather can cause all sorts of problems, from power outages to dangerous slips and falls. Snow and ice-related injuries can break bones and ruin your winter, so you need to try to prevent them. Start by promptly removing snow as it falls, and add ice melt to prevent ice from forming.
You can sprinkle sand or kitty litter to improve traction, and reposition downspouts to reduce the risk of ice forming. Maintain your gutters and remove icicles as soon as possible. Improve outdoor lighting to make slippery surfaces easier to see, and add handrails to your front steps.
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Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.
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