Snow Safety Tips!!!

I know it sounds crazy (you know, because we're all intelligent adults) but this lovely winter weather made me feel the need to try to keep everyone safe. I know that we've had lots of snow in the past, but it never hurts to have safety tip reminders! (Just like the fire and bus drills we all went through hundreds of times as children.)

First off, remember to be safe even when you’re just walking!

-Make sure to leave yourself extra time so that you’re not in a rush. Rushing is one of the main causes behind snow/ice related slips and falls.

-Stick to designated walkways and sidewalks. It’s so much easier to take our usual shortcut across the grass, but remember that ice can easily be hidden below that fresh fallen snow. When it’s not being maintained, your usual path is likely treacherous this time of year!

-Wear proper foot attire, and bring your work/gym/etc. shoes along with you in a bag. I’m guilty of wearing my work shoes in the snow rather than changing them when I get inside, but that’s a fast way to slip and hurt myself! Be sure to wear snowshoes with a good grip.

-Make sure that you’re easily visible. Whether it’s whiteout conditions or getting dark out, make sure to wear a bright, colorful snow coat if possible so that you’re visible to all around you.

Then, if you need to be on them, be sure to be careful on the roads!

-Be sure to leave plenty of space between you and the vehicles around you. In the snow and ice it takes twice as long to carefully and properly come to a full stop. Give yourself the time and space needed. Also, accidents happen very quickly. This gives you time to maneuver carefully. Never make sudden changes in direction or speed.

-Remove all ice and snow from your vehicle before you even start moving. It may seem solid in place at the moment, but it can quickly become a hazard to your driving or the drivers behind you.

-Don’t use your cruise control, even if the roads seem clear enough. This even goes for in the rain: your car can’t tell when to stop accelerating (especially not mid-puddle or ice patch) and can cause your car to spin out. Maintain your own speed carefully.

-Take extra precaution when going over bridges, overpasses, and ramps. All tend to ice-up first, and unexpectedly.

-Stay off of the roads whenever possible. If your stop on the way home (or the reason you’re going out at all) can wait until tomorrow, then you should let it wait. Your safety is more important.