10 Tips to Prevent a Fall in Winter Weather

Winter weather increases the risk of slips and falls, often leading to serious injuries. Icy sidewalks, snowy roads, and slippery parking lots are common hazards, but with a few simple precautions, you can stay safe. By staying aware of your surroundings and adjusting your habits, you can reduce your chances of a fall. Here are 10 tips to help protect yourself this winter.

  1. Take your time to ensure your safety. Speed and ice do not mix well.
  2. Be alert for ice between cars in parking lots. Even though a parking lot may have been plowed and salted, areas between cars may not have any salt on them.
  3. Use special care when getting in and out of vehicles. Use the vehicle for support if you need to.
  4. Walk slowly and carefully. Wear appropriate footwear like boots or another slip-resistant footwear.
  5. Try to avoid carrying items or walking with your hands in your pockets. This can reduce your ability to catch yourself if you lose your balance. Instead, carry a backpack if you have one.
  6. Watch out for black ice, wet leaves, and snowbanks.
  7. Tap your foot on potentially slick areas to see if the areas are slippery.
  8. Take shorter, shuffle-like steps, to maintain balance. Walk like a penguin.
  9. Avoid uneven surfaces if possible. Avoid steps or curbs with ice on them.
  10. Watch for slippery floors when you enter or exit any buildings, including your home.

We hope you find these tips useful and stay safe this winter!

You may also enjoy: 3 Tips to Avoid a Concussion During Winter

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Reframing Your Outlook on Aging

May is Older Americans Month—a time dedicated to encouraging older adults to take an active role in their well-being through prevention, wellness, and self-management. Yet despite these empowering goals, aging is still often framed negatively in our society. By shifting how we think about getting older, and about ability more broadly, we can create a more positive, inclusive experience for everyone.

Simple Tips to Stay Active

Staying active doesn’t have to mean long workouts or a packed gym schedule. For most people, it’s really about finding simple ways to move more throughout the day. Those small choices—done consistently—can add up to real benefits for your energy, mood, and overall health.

Understanding the Different Types of Stroke

Stroke? CVA? TIA? With so many acronyms and names, it can be overwhelming to understand how and why a stroke might happen. A stroke, or a cerebral vascular accident (CVA), is a medical emergency in which the blood supply to the brain is limited or interrupted. This causes a lack of nutrients and oxygen that may result in brain damage and cell death.

5 Strengthening Exercises Following Lower-Limb Amputations

During inpatient rehabilitation, your therapy team will guide you through a personalized strengthening program designed to support your recovery. This program focuses on building the key muscle groups needed for safe and effective mobility with a prosthesis. Continuing these exercises at home is essential for maintaining progress and maximizing independence.

Managing Phantom Limb Pain

Losing a limb is a life-changing experience—physically, emotionally, and mentally. One of the more unexpected and often misunderstood aspects of limb loss is phantom limb pain (PLP). Despite the limb no longer being there, individuals may continue to feel sensations—sometimes painful—where the limb used to be. But why does this happen, and what can be done about it? Let’s break it down.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.