It’s wintertime in Iowa. That means the “Ice Age” cometh! Snow. Melt. Refreeze. Rain. Overnight freeze.
The Mayflower Community (Grinnell, Iowa) reminds you to take extreme caution walking (and driving, of course) on ice. One fall can put your life in a tailspin…even if you don’t fall on your tail.
When walking on ice, keep in mind these tips from Iowa State University’s Environmental Health and Safety Department:
- Wear footwear made of rubber and neoprene composite, which provide better traction than plastic and leather shoes.
- Wear shoe traction cleats such as Yaktrax®.
- Move slowly and give yourself extra time to arrive.
- Wear gloves so that you can keep your hands out of your pockets for balance.
- Take small steps or shuffle (contrary to your mother’s advice to “Pick up your feet!”).
- Bend slightly forward and walk flat-footed with your center of gravity directly over your feet.
- Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles, climbing or descending stairs, or entering or leaving buildings.
- Use handrails when available, especially on stairs.
- Use treated sidewalks and walkways, rather than short-cuts.
- Don’t text when walking outside.
- Be prepared to fall.
- If you fall, protect your head from hitting the ground.
Or, as “they” say, “Walk like a penguin,”…whatever that means!
— Bob Mann, Sales & Marketing Director
