SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ABC4 News) – The Red Cross of Salt Lake City is always trying to find ways to help the communities be safer and offer advice to keep people from
According to Rich Woodruff, Red Cross Director of Communications, each year thousands of people are injured from walking on snow and ice-covered parking lots, sidewalks, steps and curbs.
Not only doe they want individuals to take is slow and wearing the right shoes, but they say the one of the best practices is to actually walk like a penguin.
Walk like a penguin:
Point your feet out slightly like a penguin.
Bend slightly and walk with your center of gravity directly over your feet as much as possible.
Don’t text and walk.
If you are carrying an item, make sure your load is stable. Do not obstruct your view.
Clean your shoes when you get inside. Caked snow and ice on shoe soles can cause slips and falls.
Additional Defensive Walking Tips:
Wear appropriate footwear:
Heels=falls (if you need them, bring a separate pair of shoes for the snow and for the office).
Shoes should have proper ankle and heel support and non-skid strips on the bottom.
Use handrails wherever they are provided.
Use designated walkways.
Assume all wet, dark areas on pavement are black ice.
Tips for getting out of a vehicle:
Never step down without looking first at where your feet will go.
Swing both legs out.
Place both feet, flatfooted, on the ground.
Grab onto the door frame or steering wheel for support.
Use at least three points of contact—two feet and one hand.
