4 Tips to Keep You Safe This Winter: Practical, Evidence-Based Advice for Every Season​

Winter brings unique challenges—from icy sidewalks to freezing temperatures and hazardous driving conditions. Every year, millions face preventable injuries or health emergencies due to winter risks, but with proactive steps, you can drastically reduce these dangers. Based on data from leading safety organizations like the CDC, NHTSA, and NFPA, this guide outlines four critical tips to keep you and your loved ones safe during the coldest months. By understanding the risks and acting on evidence-based strategies, you’ll be prepared to navigate winter with confidence.

​Tip 1: Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls—Winter’s Most Common Cause of Injury​

Slips and falls are the leading cause of winter-related ER visits, with over 200,000 Americans treated annually for injuries like fractures, sprains, and head trauma (CDC). Icy patches, compacted snow, and hidden black ice—nearly invisible thin ice—are primary culprits. Older adults, who often have reduced balance or brittle bones, are especially vulnerable, but anyone can fall.

To avoid these accidents:

• ​Wear slip-resistant footwear.​​ Look for shoes or boots with deep treads (like Vibram soles) or metal studs designed for ice. Avoid smooth-soled shoes or high heels, which offer no traction. Test grip by pressing your foot down—if it slides easily, the shoes aren’t suitable.
• ​Clear walkways and driveways promptly.​​ Shovel snow within 24 hours of a storm, and use ice melt (calcium chloride or magnesium chloride, not rock salt, which harms concrete and pets) on stubborn patches. Focus on high-traffic areas like doorsteps and stairs.
• ​Use handrails and aids.​​ Install or repair railings on stairs, and keep a cane or trekking pole handy for extra stability. If you use a walker, add ice grippers to its legs.
• ​Watch your step—literally.​​ Walk slowly, take short strides, and keep your hands out of pockets to maintain balance. Avoid distractions like phones; even a split-second glance down can lead to a fall.

Pro Tip: Black ice forms most often in shaded areas, under trees, or near gutters where water drips and refreezes. Test suspicious patches by tapping them with a cane or your boot before stepping.

​Tip 2: Guard Against Hypothermia, Frostbite, and Cold Stress​

Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia (body temperature below 95°F) or frostbite (tissue freezing), which can cause permanent damage. Seniors, infants, and people with chronic illnesses (like diabetes) are at higher risk, but even healthy individuals can suffer if unprepared.

​Preventing Hypothermia:​​

• ​Dress in layers.​​ Start with a moisture-wicking base layer (avoid cotton, which traps sweat and chills you), add an insulating middle layer (wool or fleece), and finish with a windproof, waterproof outer layer. Remove layers if you sweat—damp clothing accelerates heat loss.
• ​Protect extremities.​​ Wear thick socks (merino wool is best), insulated gloves or mittens (mittens retain more heat), and a hat that covers your ears. Up to 30% of body heat escapes through the head.
• ​Limit time outdoors in extreme cold.​​ If you must shovel snow or work outside, take frequent breaks in a warm shelter, drink warm (not hot) fluids, and watch for early signs: shivering, slurred speech, or confusion.

​Spotting and Treating Frostbite:​​
Frostbite typically affects fingers, toes, ears, and nose. Early stages (frostnip) cause redness and numbness; severe cases lead to hard, white, or waxy skin. If you suspect frostbite:

• Get indoors immediately.
• Warm the area gently with warm (not hot) water (100–105°F) or body heat (e.g., place frostbitten fingers under your armpit).
• Avoid rubbing the area—this can damage tissue.
• Seek medical help if numbness persists or skin changes color.

Pro Tip: Hypothermia can set in even at temperatures above freezing if you’re wet (from rain, snow, or sweat). Always dry off and change into dry clothes immediately if you get wet outdoors.

​Tip 3: Drive Safely in Winter Conditions—Reduce Crash Risks by 80%​​

Winter driving is perilous: 17% of all vehicle crashes occur in snow or sleet, and fatal crashes spike by 34% in icy conditions (NHTSA). Poor visibility, slippery roads, and blowing snow make even short trips dangerous.

​Prepare Your Vehicle:​​

• ​Check tires.​​ Replace worn tires (tread depth below 4/32 inch) and consider all-weather or studded tires for better traction. Ensure tires are properly inflated—cold air reduces pressure.
• ​Test your battery.​​ Cold weather drains batteries faster; a weak battery may die when you need it most. Have it tested at an auto shop, and keep jumper cables in your trunk.
• ​Stock an emergency kit.​​ Include a blanket, non-perishable snacks, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a ice scraper, and a bag of sand or cat litter (for traction if stuck).

​Adjust Your Driving Habits:​​

• ​Slow down.​​ Speed limits are for dry roads—reduce speed by 30–50% on ice or snow. Accelerate and brake gently to avoid skidding.
• ​Increase following distance.​​ Double or triple the normal gap between cars (aim for 8–10 seconds behind the vehicle ahead) to give yourself time to stop.
• ​Avoid sudden moves.​​ Sudden steering, braking, or acceleration can cause skids. If you start to slide, ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want the car to go (for rear-wheel skids) or steer into the skid (front-wheel skids).

Pro Tip: If road conditions are severe, stay home. No trip is worth the risk—reschedule errands or work if possible.

​Tip 4: Prevent Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning—The Silent Winter Killer​

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced by fuel-burning appliances like furnaces, fireplaces, and generators. In winter, when homes are sealed tight to retain heat, CO can build up to lethal levels. Each year, over 400 Americans die from CO poisoning, and thousands are hospitalized (CDC).

​Keep Your Home Safe:​​

• ​Install CO alarms.​​ Place them on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace batteries yearly. Replace alarms every 10 years.
• ​Maintain heating systems.​​ Schedule annual inspections for furnaces, water heaters, and chimneys. A blocked chimney or cracked heat exchanger can leak CO.
• ​Never use ovens or generators indoors.​​ Gas ovens produce CO and should never be used for heating. Portable generators must be placed at least 20 feet from the house, in a well-ventilated area (never in a garage or basement).
• ​Recognize symptoms.​​ Early signs include headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion—often mistaken for the flu. If multiple people in your home feel ill, or if symptoms improve when you go outside, suspect CO poisoning and evacuate immediately. Call 911 and a professional to check for leaks.

Pro Tip: If you use a fireplace, keep the flue open and have it cleaned annually to prevent creosote buildup, which can block airflow and cause CO to back up into your home.

​Conclusion: Take Action Today to Stay Safe All Winter​

Winter doesn’t have to be dangerous—with preparation, you can avoid slips, cold-related illnesses, driving crashes, and CO poisoning. By prioritizing slip-resistant gear, dressing appropriately for the cold, adjusting your driving, and securing your home against CO, you’ll protect yourself and your family. Remember: safety is a habit, not a one-time task. Check in with loved ones, especially older adults, to ensure they’re following these tips. Together, we can make winter a season of warmth and safety, not worry.

Stay proactive, stay informed, and stay safe—your future self will thank you.