(Cam Lee/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Ice ice baby

Weekend rain and snow results in icy conditions in northeast

Nov 25, 2019 | 12:00 PM

A mix of snow and rain on the weekend has left roads and sidewalks slick, and in some cases, dangerous.

There are some steps you can take to reduce the risks when out for a walk.

Melfort Ambulance Manager Wayne Therres said the choice of footwear is important.

“We want to have a look at boots that have either a rubber or a neoprene sole on the bottom of them,” said Therres. “That provides good traction on the snow over the high ice conditions that we have right now.”

There are also traction aids or walking cleats you can buy to slip on your boots for walking on slippery surfaces.

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Therres said even a small step like slowing down can help prevent falls.

“Make sure we take our time when we’re walking, have a look at where we’re walking, and make sure that we’re watching for [snow] covered surfaces,” he said.

There are other items to purchase for outdoor travel, including walking sticks, but Therres said there can be dangers involved with using them.

“Benefit-wise, they will give you some more stability,” Therres said. “On the down side, people tend to rely on them a little bit too much.”

Walkers can also be a challenge according to Therres, as those with wheels can slide away, while the walkers with feet can slip as well.

“Canes can be beneficial in the picture as well, similar to a walking stick, and there are some ice devices that you can flip over top of your cane to help you gain that little bit more stability,” he said.

When it’s icy outside, it’s icy for both pedestrians and vehicles. Therres said it’s important for pedestrians to remember that cars, trucks, and SUV’s can’t stop on a dime on icy roads.

“Make sure you wait on the corner until the traffic has that ability to stop,” he said. “Don’t start walking across the street because the traffic conditions are as slippery for the motor vehicles as they are for [pedestrians], and we definitely don’t want anybody to be hit by a car [while] walking across the intersection.”

Therres recommends shovelling the snow off your driveway and sidewalk, then use an ice melt aid to get rid of the icy layer underneath.

The Melfort Ambulance tips come as November was declared Fall Prevention Month.

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cam.lee@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @camlee1974