When sidewalks and pathways get icy, it can be easy to slip, fall, or trip. Here are 6 tips to avoid injury during snow season.

1. Keep a Well-Stocked Pantry

Stock your kitchen pantry with cold-weather necessities. Prepare for winter storms by stocking up on food items like canned soups and chilis, rice, pasta, fruit cups, coffee, and lots of tasty snacks. With a well-stocked pantry, you won’t have to worry about leaving the house for food during winter snow storms.

Photo Credit: Salvation Army USA West (Flickr).

Photo Credit: Salvation Army USA West (Flickr).

2. Stretch Your Muscles

If you’re planning on doing any type of strenuous activity like shoveling or hitting the slopes this winter, be sure to warm up before heading outdoors. Stretching your muscles prior to activity helps avoid the risk of injury.

Ski Photo Credit: oneinchpunch (iStock).

Ski Photo Credit: oneinchpunch (iStock).

3. Pick The Right Footwear

In the winter, sidewalks and pathways become slippery and dangerous. Prevent slip-and-fall accidents on ice and snow by choosing cold-weather footwear. Better traction means less risk of injury.

Snow Photo Credit: David Goehring (Flickr)

Photo Credit: David Goehring (Flickr)

4. Drive Safely

Drive carefully and arrive safely! Give yourself ample time to arrive at your destination. The roads can become very slick, especially during winter storms. Don’t rush and plan ahead to avoid the risk of injury.

Car Snow Photo Credit: IVYPHOTOS (iStock).

Photo Credit: IVYPHOTOS (iStock).

5. Push Snow vs. Lifting

Push snow instead of lifting. Shoveling snow this way helps avoid injury by taking pressure off your lower back. Use this technique to shovel snow and you won’t have to worry about getting hurt in the process.

Snow Shoveling Photo Credit: snowstorm-2018 (Flickr)

Photo Credit: snowstorm-2018 (Flickr)

6. Salt Walkways

Don’t slip up this winter. Put salt down on icy sidewalks and driveways. Melt down the ice quickly using salt and you’ll feel safer walking on winter pathways.

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From wearing proper footwear to driving cautiously, there’s plenty of tips to keep you safe this winter!