The absolute best way to avoid slipping and falling in the winter is to have your sidewalks, pathways, driveways, and parking lots professionally cleared by a respected commercial and residential snow removal company. At Mirage Landscaping, we love the challenge snow removal presents. We take pride in our ability to ensure our clients’ properties are fully cleared within 24 hours of the last snowfall ending, and never leave behind any residual snow or ice to increase the odds of someone slipping and falling. We see your safety, and that of those visiting your home or business, as our responsibility. We stake our reputation on keeping all those visiting your property secure and upright during the dangerous winter season, never leaving you open to liability of any kind.
We work hard to be Calgary’s best snow removal company, building our reputation simply by doing our job well. But as hard as we try to keep the properties we clear absolutely pristine and free from snow and ice, we know there are many other businesses and individuals who do not. So for the sake of those who must try to traverse over treacherous ground throughout the winter, here are a few tips on how to avoid slipping and falling and a potential serious injury.
1. Always wear proper footwear. Throughout the winter it’s highly advisable to wear specially designed winter footwear. Winter boots have unique tread patterns that are slip-resistant (but not proof) that help you maintain your grip. Look for deeply grooved rubber treads. Lace-up boots are better than zippers, too, as they tend to provide more support. Also check for adequate insulation to help keep your feet warm. If you walk a lot in the winter it might even be a good idea to purchase additional slip-on ice and snow grips.
2. Walk like a penguin.
Alberta Health Services advises that when sidewalks are slippery, the best thing to do is to walk like a penguin. Bend forward slightly, walk flat-footed rather than heel to toe, and take shorter, shuffle-type steps. This helps to keep your centre of gravity over top of your feet as much as possible. Concentrate on staying upright, watch where you step, and don’t rush. Always remember, too, that it’s very important to keep your hands at your sides and not in your pockets to help improve your balance.
3. Stay warm
If you are cold, your muscles will tense up. That can affect your balance and make slipping and falling more of a possibility. Tips for dressing warmly include:
- Always wear a warm toque. Your body loses most of its heat through an uncovered head.
- Dress in layers. Three layers should be good, including an under layer that will wick away any sweat, an insulating layer of fleece or wool, and a quality top layer.
- Down coats are the warmest. Their puffiness allows for thousands of little air pockets to collect and store warm air, keeping the wearer much more comfortable than other materials.
What To Do If You Feel Yourself Going Down
Sometimes slipping and falling is unavoidable. If you feel yourself going down, there are a few ways you can minimize your chances of really hurting yourself.
It sounds crazy, but if you are going to fall the best thing to do is try to relax and go with it. Stiffening up and panicking will almost definitely make the fall worse. Bend your knees to try to get closer to the ground. This decreases the distance you will fall, which will obviously assist in reducing impact.
Most importantly, do not straighten arms out to break your fall. This can result in a broken wrist. You do need to keep your hands out of your pockets when walking on a slippery surface to help with your balance, but you shouldn’t rely on them. Fold your arms in to your chest and try to turn your body so that you fall on your side.
Professional Snow Removal Keeps People Safe
At Mirage Landscaping, we look forward to the challenge presented by every snowstorm as we hustle to clear your sidewalks, pathways, driveways, and parking lots as quickly as possible. We always clear away snow to the bare pavement, and never leave behind ice that could be a potential hazard.
Here are six reasons to choose Mirage to be your snow removal company. We have over three decades of experience clearing snow in Calgary’s southeast communities, serving the areas of:
Auburn Bay, Chaparral, Chaparral Valley, Copperfield, Cranston, Douglasdale, Heritage Pointe, Lake Bonavista, Mahogany, McKenzie Lake, Mackenzie Towne, Maple Ridge, New Brighton, Odgen/Lynwood/Millican, Parkland, Riverbend, Sundance, Walden, and Willow Park