Walking on Ice: How to Stay on Your Feet in Winter

Direct answer: Walking on ice is extremely dangerous. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says many injuries related to cold weather happen from falls on ice-covered sidewalks, steps, driveways, and porches. The safest choice is to stay off the ice whenever you can, and when you cannot, to slow down, dress for it, and clear the ground you control. Ready.gov warns winter storms bring a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, and heart attacks from overexertion, so a short walk in icy weather deserves the same planning as a drive.

Before you step out

Try to stay indoors during extremely cold weather, and make any trips outside as brief as possible. That is the CDC's first rule for the outdoors, and it is also the simplest way to avoid a fall. Listen for travel advisories issued by the National Weather Service, and do not travel in low visibility. If the trip can wait, let it wait, and if you must go out, let friends and family know where you will be. Ready.gov says to limit your time outside, wear layers, and watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart, so follow your doctor's advice about shoveling snow or other hard work in the cold, dress warmly, and work slowly.

Clear the ground you control

Keep your steps and walkways as free of ice as possible by using rock salt or another chemical de-icing compound. Sand may also be used on walkways to reduce the risk of slipping. That is the CDC's advice, and the National Institute on Aging gives the same rule for older adults: keep outside walkways clear of snow and ice with an ice melt product or sand. Clear snow early, before feet and tires pack it into ice, and treat shaded patches and steps first, because they freeze first and thaw last. Do not pour water on a walkway or windshield to remove ice or snow: the CDC warns water on a windshield can cause it to shatter, and water on a walkway only makes a new sheet of ice.

What to wear on ice

Dress warmly and stay dry. The CDC says adults and children should wear a hat, a scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth, sleeves that are snug at the wrist, mittens, which are warmer than gloves, a water-resistant coat and boots, and several layers of loose-fitting clothing. Stay dry, because wet clothing chills the body quickly, and remove extra layers whenever you feel too warm, because excess sweating will cause your body to lose more heat. For your feet, the National Institute on Aging advises nonskid, rubber-soled, low-heeled footwear, and that advice applies at any age on an icy sidewalk. Use railings to help avoid slipping on icy stairs and walkways, and keep your hands free to grab a railing or break a fall rather than carrying bags in both hands. Avoid getting gasoline or alcohol on your skin while de-icing, because it will cause your body to lose a lot more heat.

Walk slowly, and know when to stop

Once you are on the ice, there is no safe way to hurry. Take short, careful steps, keep your weight over your feet, and watch the ground ahead of you rather than your phone. Avoid walking on ice wherever a clear path exists, and step around the dark, wet-looking patches, because they are often ice. Use handrails on stairs, hold on when getting in and out of a car, and do not leave any areas of your skin exposed to the cold, and avoid getting wet. Do not ignore shivering, because it is an important first sign that your body is losing heat, and constant shivering is a sign that it is time to go inside. Watch for signs of cold-weather health problems. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers, and toes, with numbness and white or grayish-yellow, firm or waxy skin, and if you notice signs of frostbite, seek medical care. Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature, and a temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency, with signs that include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, or drowsiness. If you notice signs of frostbite or hypothermia, get to a warm room and seek medical care. If a fall leaves you hurt or unable to get up safely, call for help rather than trying to walk it off on the same ice. Before the next storm, read the site's cold safety guidance, the guide to dressing for extreme cold, and the frostbite and hypothermia guide, and check the weather alerts page before you head out.

Frequently asked questions

How do I reduce the risk of slipping on ice?

The CDC says walking on ice is extremely dangerous, so stay off the ice when you can, and keep steps and walkways as free of ice as possible by using rock salt or another chemical de-icing compound, with sand to reduce the risk of slipping.

What footwear should I wear on icy sidewalks?

The National Institute on Aging advises nonskid, rubber-soled, low-heeled footwear, and the CDC advises a water-resistant coat and boots with several layers of loose-fitting clothing.

Should I walk on ice if I am in a hurry?

No. The CDC advises trying to stay indoors during extremely cold weather and making any trips outside as brief as possible, and Ready.gov says to limit your time outside in a winter storm.

What should I do if I start shivering while outside?

Do not ignore shivering, because the CDC says it is an important first sign that your body is losing heat, and constant shivering is a sign that it is time to go inside.

Sources

• CDC - Safety Guidelines: During and After a Winter Storm
• National Institute on Aging - Cold Weather Safety for Older Adults
• Ready.gov - Winter Weather

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