How To Deal With Slippery Outdoor Stairs After Snow?

If you have an outside stairway, it is likely to get dirty and slick when it snows. Ice and snow pose a hazard to one’s safety. Among the many dangers that winter brings, navigating the front steps can be one of the most difficult. Icy roads are difficult enough, but you can at least avoid driving for a short period. Due to the lack of traction and grit on a slick outdoor surface, you may slip and fall. Icy steps are aggravating in the winter, and they can also be dangerous. On a slick step, it’s quite easy for you or a loved one to trip and fall. Outdoor stairways must be maintained regularly during the winter season. You can use deicers and homemade ice melting solutions. 

Here Are Some Methods To Avoid Slipping On Outdoor Steps Or Stairs:

• Make Your Outdoor Stairs Carpeted

It’s the most common method for making outdoor steps less slick after a snowfall. One of the most typical methods is to utilize carpets suited for outdoor use.

• Stair Treads with Anti-Slip Adhesive

They resemble a thick black grip tape that keeps you from slipping on slick flooring. It’s preferable if you match the color to the style of your home. They’re simple to put together. They give roughness to indoor and outdoor steps to prevent slippage. They have a rough texture that provides enough friction for walking without slipping in wet or icy weather.

• Use Deicers with anti-slip trait

Stay safe on slick surfaces with a solution that’s all-natural and safe for your dogs, people, and property. They come in the shape of paint or a clear transparent coating that you may apply to your stairwell. The layer contains small particles that will adhere to the surface, roughening it for grit and friction. Most homeowners like to use this type of solution because it is simple to apply and does not permanently alter the appearance of the home.

The simplest way to keep your steps free of ice is to use deicers to remove any buildup that falls on them. This winter, keep your property safe by using ice melt for your exterior stairs. Many people get confused about that – is magnesium chloride safe? Magnesium chloride has the potential to damage the surface. 

Moreover, traction-increasing products will keep you safe throughout the season. Safe Paw ice melt is one-of-a-kind. It not only melts the ice but also provides a non-slip surface. Safe Paw’s chemical-free formula includes a specific traction component. This ice melt ensures that you get dry ground and almost no leftover snow. As a result, the risk of slips and falls is decreased.

Bulk Purchase With Safe Paw

Floor Finish with Anti-Slip

Stay safe on slick surfaces with a solution that’s all-natural and safe for your dogs, people, and property. They come in the shape of paint or a clear transparent coating that you may apply to your stairwell. The layer contains small particles that will adhere to the surface, roughening it for grit and friction. Most homeowners like to use this type of solution because it is simple to apply and does not permanently alter the appearance of the home.

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.

Winter Safety Tips to Prevent Slipping on Ice

Slipping on ice is not just inconvenient; it can lead to serious injuries, especially in winter. While the cold weather brings many joys, it also comes with risks. Whether it’s your driveway, sidewalk, or workplace, avoiding dangerous slips requires the right steps and tools. Here’s a guide to help you prevent slipping on ice and stay safe this season.

1. Wear Proper Winter Footwear

It starts with the basics: having the right winter footwear can significantly reduce your risk of slipping. Opt for boots with good traction and slip-resistant soles. Look for boots with deep treads, which help grip icy surfaces better. If you don’t want to replace your shoes, consider attachable ice cleats that fit over your shoes, adding traction for a safer walk.

2. Use an Ice Melt That’s Safe for You and the Environment

A top recommendation for ice slip prevention is applying an effective ice melt to sidewalks and driveways. But not all ice melts are equal! Traditional products with salts and chlorides can damage concrete, plants, and even harm pets. In contrast, Safe Paw is a non-toxic, pet-friendly ice melt that’s effective at preventing ice buildup without damaging surfaces or harming the environment.

• Environmentally Friendly Choice: Unlike chloride-based products, Safe Paw is free from harsh chemicals, which means it doesn’t contribute to harmful runoff.
• Easy Application: Sprinkle it early in the season, and reapply as needed to reduce the formation of ice patches where people walk the most.

3. Take Shorter Steps on Icy Surfaces

Sometimes, staying safe means adjusting your movement. On slippery surfaces, take shorter steps and keep your feet as flat as possible to prevent slipping on ice. This keeps your center of gravity lower, giving you better control in slippery conditions. Think of it as a “shuffle” rather than a stride.

4. Look for Key Areas to Apply Ice Melt

One of the best winter safety tips is to apply ice melt in high-traffic areas. Focus on places like entrances, driveways, sidewalks, and paths leading to your car or garage. Spreading ice melt along these areas helps reduce ice formation, especially in temperatures below freezing.

• Timing Matters: For optimal results, apply ice melt before a snowfall or freezing rain. This allows it to create a barrier, preventing ice from forming.
• Reapply as Needed: After heavy snow, reapplying ice melt can help maintain traction on your walkways and keep ice at bay.

5. Check Weather Reports and Prepare Early

Preparing ahead of winter storms can make a world of difference in maintaining safe surfaces. Monitoring the weather forecast enables you to apply ice melt in advance. When you anticipate freezing temperatures, proactively treating surfaces will help avoid dangerous patches that contribute to slipping on ice.

6. Clean Up Excess Ice Melt Residue

While using an ice melt is important, excess buildup can create its own hazards. Over time, the residue from some de-icing products can become slippery when wet. After a storm, if there’s a lot of ice melt residue, consider lightly sweeping or rinsing it away to keep surfaces safe.

7. Stay Aware of the Freeze-Thaw Cycle

Winter can create multiple freeze-thaw cycles in a single day, particularly when temperatures fluctuate around freezing. This cycle can lead to unexpected ice patches as snow melts during the day and refreezes at night. Be mindful of these conditions and apply ice melt early in the day to combat ice before it forms.

8. Layer Up for Winter Warmth and Mobility

Dress warmly but avoid bulky clothing that limits your movement. Restricting your mobility can make it more challenging to navigate slippery areas safely. Focus on warm, layered clothing that allows flexibility and prevents overheating.

Conclusion

Slips and falls can result in catastrophic injuries including broken bones or arms. These mishaps and injuries have resulted in deaths in some situations. That is why you must take the required precautions and use the appropriate materials like homemade ice melting solutions and deicers to keep you and your family safe from slipping and falling on slippery stairs in your home, lake house, or wherever else you are worried.

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