As winter approaches, it's essential to take proactive measures to ensure the safety and accessibility of your home, particularly in icy weather conditions. By following some simple guidelines and utilizing helpful tools, you can create a safer environment for yourself and your loved ones. Let's explore some practical tips for preparing your home for icy weather.
How to Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather
1. Keep Entranceways, Sidewalks, and Driveways Clear
One of the essential steps in preventing slips and falls is to keep your entryways, sidewalks, and driveways clear of snow and ice. Regularly shovel snow from these areas and use a plastic shovel to quickly clear a safe path to your entrance. By removing the snow, you create a safer surface for walking and reduce the risk of accidents.
2. Dress Appropriately and Wear Shoes or Boots with Good Traction
When venturing outside in icy conditions, it's crucial to dress appropriately and wear shoes or boots with good traction. Choose footwear that has non-slip soles to provide better stability and grip on slippery surfaces. This will significantly reduce the chances of losing balance and falling.
3. Walk Cautiously and Allow Extra Time
When navigating icy surfaces, it's essential to adopt a cautious walking style. Take shorter steps and walk with your arms out to balance yourself, rather than putting your hands in your pockets. This posture helps to maintain stability and improves your overall balance. Additionally, allow yourself extra time to move, so you don't feel rushed and can take each step carefully.
4. Use Handrails Whenever Available
Handrails offer valuable support and stability, especially when navigating stairs or inclines. Always utilize handrails if they're available, as they can provide an extra layer of security and help you maintain your balance on slippery surfaces.
5. Test Surfaces Before Stepping
Before stepping onto an icy surface, it's good practice to test it first. Apply light pressure to check the stability and ensure you have a firm footing. By doing so, you can identify any particularly slippery areas and adjust your movement accordingly.
6. Utilize Ramps, Mats, and Plates for Safety and Accessibility
To enhance safety and accessibility around your home during icy weather, consider using ramps, mats, and plates from EZ-ACCESS®. These durable and reliable products are designed to provide secure footing and help reduce the risk of slips and falls. By strategically placing these items, you can create safe pathways and ensure everyone's well-being.
7. Keep Your Ramp Safe and Slip-Resistant
If you have an aluminum access ramp, it's essential to maintain its safety and slip resistance during harsh winter weather. Here are some tips to help you achieve that:
A. Use a plastic shovel to quickly clear snow, creating a safer path to your entrance. By removing snow promptly, you minimize the chances of ice formation and provide a secure walking surface.
B. Utilize a broom with thick bristles to clear light snow and brush away any remaining debris after shoveling. The broom's bristles efficiently clear the built-up snow from the grooves on your ramp, further reducing the risk of slips and falls.
C. Apply Magnesium Chloride on your aluminum ramp. While other forms of ice melt can be corrosive and cause damage to the ramp, Magnesium Chloride is safe and won't cause any corrosion. After you've cleared most of the snow and ice with your shovel and broom, liberally apply the ice melt to ensure a safer and more accessible ramp.
By following these tips and incorporating safety measures into your winter preparation routine, you can minimize the risk of slips, falls, and accidents caused by icy weather. Remember, it's always better to be proactive and take preventive actions to ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and those around you. Stay safe and enjoy the winter season to the fullest!