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Trips and falls and accidents happen so easily in winter and no one wants to start the year off nursing bruises, sprains and broken bones.

Watch your step and take extra care is the simple advice being given by North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group to remind people to be aware of the potential risks posed by the current wintery weather.

It’s really important to take the necessary precautions to stay safe and reduce the risk of falling and injuring ourselves at this time of year.

Dr Ekta Elson, GP and Medical Director at North East Lincolnshire CCG, said,

“Freezing cold temperatures and icy paths can be hazardous for many people, especially those older and more vulnerable residents with reduced mobility.”

“Prolonged periods of cold weather and snow and icy conditions can increase the health risks for people living with a long-term health conditions and we would advise that if people feel unsure of venturing outside due to the poor conditions, to only make trips when really necessary and try to ask for help from family or friends.”

“Everyone should remember to wear appropriate footwear and wrap up warm as anyone can slip and fall when walking on slippery and icy pavements and we strongly encourage all residents to follow the advice below.”

Our top tips:

• Keep updated with the weather forecasts
• Take walks in the daytime if possible, it’s much easier to see areas of ice or areas to avoid
• When icy or wet weather has been forecast, place grit or salt in well used areas such as your driveway
• If possible, avoid areas that are sloped, covered in wet leaves or in the shade as these areas will be a slip or fall risk
• In icy or snowy weather, buy some ice or snow treads that attach to the bottom of your shoes to stop you slipping and falling. These will make you feel much more confident walking about in bad weather
• If possible, try not to walk on your own in bad weather. If walking alone is unavoidable, let a family member know where you are going and give an estimated time of how long you will be

Clearing snow and ice from pavements can make moving around much safer and easier. If you do this carefully it is unlikely that someone will get injured. Follow these tips from Department for Transport to ensure you move snow and ice safely:

• Clear snow early in the day; it’s easier to move fresh, loose snow
• Do not use water, it might refreeze and turn into black ice
• Use salt if possible, it will melt the ice or snow and stop it from refreezing overnight (don’t use salt from the salt bins as this is used to keep roads clear)
• You can use ash and sand it you don’t have enough salt, it will provide grip underfoot
• Pay extra attention when clearing steps and steep pathways; using more salt may help

Councillor Jane Hyldon-King, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care at North East Lincolnshire Council said “Where possible, please check on your elderly friends, neighbours and relatives. Make sure they have enough food and medicine.”

“The Council has plans in place for when low temperatures and snow hit the region and our gritters will be out helping to keep the roads across North East Lincolnshire clear.”

“If you do need to go out when there is snow and ice on the ground, please be careful. Pavements may still be icy.”

For information on the winter service provided by the Council including the gritting of roads and pavements in snow or icy conditions please visit:

https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/roads-parking-transport/winter-service/