Be Vigilant in those parking lots!
Now that we’ve finally had a nice late-winter melt, people have been getting outside to bask in the sun. Unfortunately, when the snow starts melting, people tend to lower their guard when walking on surfaces that may still be slippery. There is nothing like the combination of residual ice and standing water to increase the chances of taking a tumble.
In physical therapy, we usually see a spike in fall-related injuries during the first few snows of the winter and during the first big melt of the winter/spring.
To avoid a visit to the doctor or your local emergency room, follow these tips to stay safe:
1. Be on guard! Treat every wet surface like a slippery one, even if only appears to be covered in water.
2. Continue to use any assistive devices such as walkers, ski poles, or canes that you used over the winter, at least until all the snow is gone for the year.
3. Keep salt on your sidewalk or driveway until you’re certain that it is completely clear of ice.
4. Remember that colder temperatures at night may result in morning ice, even when day time temps are in the 40’s and 50’s.
Finally, don’t forget to share this caution with your loved one, especially those that are over 55 or at a higher risk of falling.
