To Stay Safe on the Ice, Walk Like a Penguin
If you are from the northeast, there is no doubt that at some point in your life, you’ve taken a fall on the ice during the winter. Walking on ice can be a challenging and potentially dangerous task, especially if you are not prepared. Regardless of your age or fitness level, it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety when walking on ice, as falls can lead to serious injuries. One technique that can help you stay safe while walking on ice may sound silly at first: walk like a penguin!
Safety Tips to Stay Safe on Icey Surfaces
What better way to stay safe than to model your cadence after a two-legged creature that spends its lifetime navigating the slippery surface that can be so treacherous? Close your eyes and imagine that cue little black and white bird navigating the frozen surfaces of the coldest regions of the globe. When you’re ready, here are our tips to help you walk like a penguin the next time you’re on ice:
- Start by keeping your feet close to the ground.
- Take short, shuffling steps which help to distribute your weight more evenly, making you less likely to lose your balance and fall.
- Slow down- safety is much more important than speed.
- Keep your arms out to the sides for balance.
- Keep your eyes focused on where you are going to help you anticipate any potential hazards ahead.
Five Other Safety Tips to Practice
In addition to walking like a penguin, there are several other things you can do to stay safe while walking on ice. Here are our top five:
1. Wear proper footwear
Wearing shoes or boots with good traction is essential for walking on ice. Avoid wearing shoes with smooth soles, as they can be more prone to slipping. Instead, opt for shoes or boots with lug soles, which can provide better traction on icy surfaces.
2. Use caution when walking on unfamiliar surfaces
If you are walking on an unfamiliar surface, be sure to take it slow and be extra cautious. Look for areas that may be more slippery, such as stairs or slopes, and take extra care when navigating these areas.
3. Use handrails
If you are walking on stairs or other elevated surfaces, make sure to hold onto a handrail for additional support and stability. This can help to prevent falls, especially if the surface is slippery.
4. Be aware of your surroundings
Keep an eye out for hazards such as puddles, snow, or ice that could cause you to slip and fall. If you see a particularly slippery spot, try to avoid it if possible.
5. Take your time
When walking on ice, it is important to take your time and not rush. Rushing can increase your risk of falling, so taking it slow and being safe is better.
If You’re Going to Fall, Fall Safely
If you do lose your balance and you’re going down, understanding how to fall safely can save your life and prevent serious injuries. How do you fall safely? Falling safely includes protecting your head by tucking it away from the direction of the fall, turning your body, keeping your muscles loose, and spreading out your body surface, all of which can lessen your impact on the ground.
If You Do Fall, Do This
The first thing you need to do if you fall is pause. When a fall occurs, it’s important not to try to get up right away. Falling causes a lot of stress on the body, especially the impact caused by a surface as hard as ice or pavement. Take a moment to breathe, then begin checking in with each body part to ensure there’s not a significant injury requiring immediate medical attention. If you have suffered an injury that makes getting up difficult or unsafe, call or signal for help. Only get up if the pain is not intense, and if getting up is not an option, try gently scooting or rolling to a safer place.
Remember, Walk Like a Penguin to Stay Safe
Following these tips and walking like a penguin can help reduce your risk of falling and keep yourself safe while walking on ice. Remember, it is always better to be cautious and take your time, rather than risk an injury by rushing or taking unnecessary risks. Have questions? Your trusted physical therapist at Bay State Physical Therapy is always here to help! To schedule an evaluation, contact your nearest Bay State Physical Therapy location or complete the form below.
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Tags: fall reduction, fall safety, winter safety tips, Physical Therapist, safety, walking, Community
