MoCo Wants Residents To Stay Safe During Cold Weather

With sub-freezing temperatures expected to continue tomorrow and another batch of light snow likely on the way, Montgomery County is urging residents to take some basic steps to be safe this winter.

Most deal with clearing snow and walking on ice:

Cold weather is here and more precipitation is likely. Planning to stay safe outdoors is especially important right now. Please consider these strategies:

Staying Upright

  • Arrange to have snow and ice removed from sidewalks and steps.
  • Wear boots or shoes with deep treads or traction slip-ons.
  • Avoid going out alone into snowy or icy conditions.
  • Use handrails on both sides of outdoor stairs.
  • Take your time while walking. Shuffle along with short, low steps and avoid a stiff posture.
  • Keep hands out of your pockets since you’ll need them to restore balance if you slip.
  • Carefully consider whether to walk over uncleared snow or to go around it.  Test how slippery a potentially slick area is by tapping your foot on it.

Shoveling Safely

  • Buy a shovel that feels most comfortable to you.
  • Since a shovel full of snow can weigh more than 10lbs, push the snow out of your way instead of lifting it. Use your legs (knees), not your back. Hold the shovel with arms apart to maximize leverage.
  • Do not shovel snow if you have heart disease or another physical condition that limits your and activity. Shoveling can increase blood pressure and cold weather constricts blood vessels, resulting in a significant increase in heart attack risk.
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