Winter Safety Tips!
As cold temperatures and winter weather arrive in Calgary, here are some tips to promote personal safety while outdoors in the wintertime.
Temperatures tend to be colder at night, meaning melting snow will often freeze in the nighttime, forming a thin layer of ice that is hard to see. These layers of ice become very slippery in the morning when the ice starts to melt. In months where the ground is frozen, ground frost and ice can make it slippery for walking.
Being mindful of this, you can reduce the likelihood of falling and prevent injury by taking precautions:
- Wear boots or shoes that fit well and have a good grip.
- Plan ahead to make sure you have enough time to get where you’re going so that you’re not rushing in poor driving or walking conditions.
- Assume that all wet, dark areas on the pavement may be slippery or icy. If you can, walk around them.
- Walk on cleared walkways—avoid shortcuts that haven’t been cleared.
- Don’t text or talk on your phone and walk at the same time.
- Use handrails on stairs and ramps. If you’re walking on a slope where there are no handrails, be extra careful.
- Try not to carry heavy things that can make you lose your balance, or large things that could block your view. If possible, use a backpack to keep your hands free.
