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How to Prevent Slip and Falls in the Winter

The leaves have fallen from the trees, which means autumn is giving way to winter. While winter has its own beauty and magic, snow and ice can make for dangerous slip-and-fall conditions. Inclement weather can make it harder for you to stay on your feet and lead to severe injuries if you fall.

How can you prevent slip and fall accidents this winter? The legal team at The Johnson Injury Firm has tips to help keep you safe.

Take Winter Weather Precautions

You can help keep yourself and others safe this season by proactively winterizing your property. Is snow in the forecast? What about a hard freeze? Have salt, sand, or a liquid de-icing product on hand and apply when wet snow or freezing rain is in the forecast. Keep your driveway and sidewalk shoveled and free from snow and debris. If you are unable to shovel your walkways, ask for help. Neighborhood children looking to make extra money over the holiday break are a great resource.

Dress for the Occasion

When it’s cold outside, you automatically grab a coat before you head out. Next time, consider your footwear too. Wearing the right shoes can help prevent slip and fall accidents in the winter. Choose lightweight boots with good support and rubber soles. The soles should have texture and grip to help keep you stable on snow and ice. Be sure your winter boots fit and aren’t too big or too small, especially if you plan to wear thick winter socks.

Go Hands-Free

It may be tempting to shove your hands deep into your pocket for warmth but choose gloves and keep your hands free instead. If you begin to slide and fall, you can use your hands for balance or grab onto a nearby object for support. Keeping your hands free also means waiting to talk or text until you make it safely inside.

Wipe Them Off

The great outdoors isn’t the only place you need to worry about a slip and fall accident in the winter. Snow and ice can get tracked indoors, making floors wet and slippery. Use caution when you enter buildings. Always look down before you plant your feet, making you aren’t stepping in a puddle. When possible, wipe your wet boots on a rug or mat to protect yourself and others.

Take Your Time

It takes extra time to walk in snow and ice. Give yourself plenty of time, walk slowly, and take smaller steps. Bundle up and avoid rushing when conditions are wet and slippery.

Watch Where You Walk

While walking in snow can give you better traction than walking on ice, do not walk in snow more than one inch deep. Deep snow can hide dangerous obstacles and tripping hazards like curbs, tree roots, and uneven surfaces.

Stay Inside

When it is bad outside, try to stay indoors when possible. If inclement weather is in the forecast, try to stock up on a few essentials before the storm hits and then weather the worst of winter indoors.

Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident? Contact an Experienced Richmond Personal Injury Attorney for Help

You can take all the precautions in the world and still find yourself on the wrong end of a slip-and-fall accident. If you’ve been hurt in a slip-and-fall accident due to the careless actions of another person or company, contact The Johnson Injury Firm for help. We want to provide you with the best legal representation possible and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Call our Richmond office at (804) 262-9000 to set up a confidential consultation.

 

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