4 Ways To Keep You From Slipping This Winter

If you live in a high snowfall region, then you know what it takes to maintain a snow-free driveway or steps without damaging the concrete or asphalt. Maybe rock salt is your go-to solution, but you need to be careful with it. Although it is a popular choice, it’s not the best way to melt the ice. In fact, it’s one of the most damaging options you can choose. Therefore, to save you from its damaging consequences, we have discussed four safe ways to prevent dangerous slip and fall accidents.

Before we talk about the four ways to make your driveway less slippery, let us talk about why you should stop using rock salt immediately. Using salt to melt ice, pits the cement used for our walkways, steps, and other concreted areas. Once the cement pits, it will eventually crack or cause potholes in your surface. Salt, when comes in contact with metal in your patio furniture, can corrode and rust it. Moreover, salt is slightly acidic, and the acidity breaks down the chemical bonds essential for the concrete’s strength. Another thing that makes the situation worse is that most concrete in driveways is reinforced with steel. And salt corrodes steel. 

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Four Ways To Keep You From Slipping This Winter

1- Add traction

You can use sand, kitty litter, or any other traction agent to add friction and prevent slipping. By adding traction, you can immediately access the road or sidewalk. Using traction agents helps, but you may still have to clean the driveway post melting of the ice as it may stick to the bottom of your shoes and create a mess. 

2- Seal the concrete

When the water seeps through cracks, pores, and crevices in the concrete, the real damage happens. As the temperature drops again, the seeped water refreezes and exerts more pressure on the top surface. It results in the widening of gaps. Covering the cracks with a sealant prevents the moisture from getting in.

3- Use a good ice melt for concrete

The best way to make sure that your concrete doesn’t get crack and develop flakes is by using a driveway ice melt that is salt-free, chloride-free, and acetate-free. Most of the ice melt in the market have chloride or salt in their composition. But a few of them are made of natural ingredients like urea and glycol. Since they don’t contain corrosives or salts, they act gently on the concrete. They can work at low temperatures and are equally effective. Another good thing with salt-free deicers is, they come with the preventive Teflon effect. This effect creates an invisible layer on the deiced surface after your floor is free from the snow, which makes it easy for shoveling also. This brings me to the next step.

4- Pre-treating the surface

Before the snow hits the ground, pre-treat your concrete with the above-mentioned driveway ice melt. Such ice melt prevents the snow from sticking to the surface. This process minimizes the quantity of ice melt post-snow. 

Ice Fall Treatment and Legal Liability: Stay Safe and Avoid Lawsuits

Understanding how to properly treat icy areas around your home or business can make a big difference in avoiding ice fall treatment and reducing risks. Let’s break down some essential winter safety practices and how choosing the right ice melt products—like Safe Paw—can be your best defense.

1. The Dangers of Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are more common than you might think during winter. Snow and ice can quickly create slippery surfaces on driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots. If someone slips on your property and gets hurt, you could face legal action. Yes, legal liability is a big concern for homeowners and business owners alike. A lawsuit can be costly and stressful, especially if it could have been prevented with the right winter care.

2. Ice Fall Treatment: Addressing the Problem

When it comes to ice fall treatment, time is of the essence. As soon as snow or ice accumulates, it’s crucial to clear pathways and treat icy areas. But not all ice melt products are created equal. Many of the conventional options, such as those containing calcium chloride or rock salt, can pose risks to pets, plants, and even damage surfaces. The alternative? Safe Paw—a pet-safe ice melt that’s both effective and gentle on your surroundings. It’s a great way to ensure winter safety without the downsides of harsher chemicals.

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3. Winter Safety: Tips for Reducing Legal Risks

Being proactive is key to winter safety and minimizing legal liability. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Clear Snow Regularly: Don’t wait for a buildup before you start clearing. Frequent shoveling reduces the risk of ice formation.
• Apply Ice Melt Correctly: Use a pet-safe ice melt like Safe Paw to keep surfaces ice-free without harming the environment or your pets. Follow application instructions for the best results.
• Pay Attention to High-Traffic Areas: Steps, walkways, and driveways should be your priority when applying ice melt or shoveling snow.
• Use Sand or Grit for Extra Traction: This can help prevent slips in areas where ice melt might not be as effective.

These small steps can go a long way in preventing slip and fall accidents on your property.

4. Choosing the Right Ice Melt Products

It’s tempting to grab any ice melt products you find at the store, but it’s worth looking closer at what you’re using. Many products contain calcium chloride or other chemicals that can damage concrete over time and pose risks to pets if ingested. Safe Paw offers an alternative—it’s free from salts and chlorides, providing a safer way to keep surfaces clear. Plus, it works effectively even in low temperatures, so you don’t have to worry about ice buildup.

Safe Paw’s formula is not only safer for your family and pets, but it also helps you stay compliant with winter safety standards. Using the right product makes all the difference in keeping your property safe while avoiding unnecessary damage to concrete and greenery.

Gaia Enterprises Inc. delivers 100% pet-safe and environmentally friendly winter products. Safe Paw, our flagship product, is the #1 selling pet-safe ice melt that does not harm pets, safe if ingested, and safe on all types of concrete.

5. How to Handle Legal Liability if a Slip Occurs

Despite all your efforts, accidents can still happen. Understanding legal liability in slip and fall accidents is important. As a property owner, you have a duty to keep your premises safe for visitors. This means taking reasonable measures, like clearing snow and applying ice melt, to prevent hazards. Documenting your maintenance efforts can help if you ever need to prove that you took proper steps to ensure safety.

In summary, a little preparation goes a long way. Use a pet-safe ice melt like Safe Paw, stay on top of ice fall treatment, and be diligent with winter safety practices. These steps not only keep you safe but also protect you from costly lawsuits. With the right approach, you can enjoy a worry-free winter season!

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