Winter is a tough time, especially in the snowy, cold north. As leaves begin to fall and ice creeps back to our windshields in the mornings, take some time to prepare yourself for the chilly months ahead and plan on winter safety.
Drive slowly and cautiously
Whether walking or driving, there’s no need to rush when it’s slippery. Take your time and pay attention to each step. Watch where you place each footfall, and feel for ice as you go. Wherever you’re going, you’ll take much longer if you fall, hurt yourself, or get in an accident.
Even if your truck is heavy and has all-wheel drive, you can still lose traction and spin out in the blink of an eye.
Wear a good pair of winter boots
Get a solid pair of winter boots with plenty of traction. Smooth-soled shoes provide no extra traction on ice. A pair of soft-soled boots or shoes grip much better and will help you keep your feet planted underneath you.
If you must wear smooth-bottom shoes, attach some removable ice spikes to get as much grip as possible.
If you stand on concrete or metal for long periods, your feet might numb. If your warm socks aren’t cutting it this winter, you can also opt for foot warmers or even battery-powered heated insoles to keep the feeling in your toes. Don’t let “Old Man Winter” get the best of you. Explore our selection of other footwear accessories for you to choose from. Order now and get fast, free shipping when you order over $199.00.
Prepare a roadside emergency kit
On slippery winter roads, you never know when you might spin out and land in a ditch. A good emergency kit is crucial for cold-weather driving in the north. At the very least, you should have a blanket, water, an emergency radio, a flashlight, nonperishable snacks, and a first aid kit. Other winter car necessities include spare socks or gloves, a small shovel, a brush to clean windows, a phone charger, and jumper cables.
Keep all your emergency gear inside the main cabin of your car, where you can reach it without having to go outside. Also, keep your gas tank full and get a new battery if you need one. No one likes jumping a car in negative 20-degree temperatures.
Purchase a first-aid kit
As snow falls and roads become slippery, falls and accidents are much more likely to happen. Always carry a first aid and emergency kit in your car if you or a passenger get hurt. Whether it’s from slipping on a slick sidewalk or a minor fender bender, getting hurt should always be taken seriously. According to the Red Cross, your kit should contain essential medications and phone numbers. Be sure to check your kit regularly and ensure that nothing has expired. Replace any contents past their “use by” date and keep it well stocked so you don’t run out of something when needed.
First aid kits are available in various sizes and prices, from size small to size large variations. There are also kits for car use, so get the best kit for your needs.
Warm up before shoveling
Fresh snow is pretty, but it also gets in the way. We northerners are all too familiar with shoveling, but it’s much more dangerous than many realize. Large volumes of snow get heavy quickly, and all that strain takes a toll on your body, lifting and tossing it for a few hours. Strenuous activity in the cold air also requires much more exertion than in warm air and takes a more significant toll on your body.
- Start slow, and never lift more than you’re comfortable with.
Do the “penguin walk”
Think like your favorite Antarctic bird. Do this, and you’ll have a much better time this winter.
Center your weight over your feet and take short, careful steps. Focus on each foot placement, and don’t let your legs spread out too much. Stepping too far in front of you will cause that foot to slide out from under you, and you’ll be on the ground before you know it. Yes, you will look silly waddling around, but at least you won’t end up on your tush.
Share your location with family
Whenever you’re going anywhere in the winter, tell someone your plan and when you plan to be back. Especially if you’re driving somewhere more remote, like through the country, where someone might not be around to find you if you need help. Even if you’re just walking somewhere, be sure that at least someone knows your destination. If they hear that you didn’t make it when you thought you would, they can reach out to you and offer help or send someone else who can assist.
Get rid of the snow and ice with salt and sand
Use plenty of salt and sand to get as much traction as possible. Shovel and scrape as much snow and ice as possible to maximize contact with the pavement as you walk. Be extra thorough while cleaning steps, inclines, or any other place where a fall is riskier. Spreading sand can be another helpful way to gain some extra traction underfoot.
If ice is stuck to the ground, use a dedicated ice scraping tool to break it apart and clean it down to the pavement. Shop now from our selection of snow removal tools and products at AcmeTools.com.
Wear proper clothing for the weather
Even if you’re driving somewhere nearby, always wear warm outerwear clothes. Extremities get cold faster than your core, so wear warm socks, preferably wool, gloves or mittens, and a hat. Dressing in layers is the best way to prepare yourself for cold conditions, too, and you can permanently shed a layer or two if you get too warm. If you’re still afraid of catching shivers, use a heated hoodie or jacket to ward off unwanted teeth chattering.
Brightly-colored clothing can also be helpful during long nights. Bright and reflective clothes make you easier to see for drivers after dark, increasing your overall safety. Never wear dark clothes when walking at night; the more obnoxious you look, the easier it is for drivers to see and avoid you.
Check the road conditions before leaving
Severe weather alert systems are in place to ensure that drivers know what the roads are like before heading out. If the roads look dicey, stay inside and save yourself the trouble. Check with your local Department of Transportation, pay attention to weather forecasts, and listen to emergency weather radios if you suspect driving might not be safe. Ending up in a ditch or a collision center isn’t worth your time when Jack Frost throws a tantrum.
Always keep a shovel and brush on hand
Keep the right tools in your car for winter. Always brush and scrape snow off the windshield and ice from the windows. With already-hazardous conditions, the last thing you need is reduced visibility.
Shovels help remove snow, but sometimes, you must put snow back on a walkway. Sprinkling a little bit of powder on an icy surface can help give you a little bit of extra traction, and every little bit helps. Some small shovels collapse down small enough to fit easily in the trunk of your car, so you can always have one around.
- If your parked car gets plowed, you will be ready to break through the snow pile and return to the road.
We hope you stay safe this winter. Need more resources? Check out AcmeTools.com for more winter gear and our blog for more ideas. Read about heated jackets or the new Milwaukee Tools Heated Gear for this year.
Information Sources:
- https://www.cdc.gov/winter-weather/about/index.html
- http://www.dot.nd.gov
- https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/anatomy-of-a-first-aid-kit.html
