With icy conditions making sidewalks and parking lots increasingly slippery, safety officials are reminding residents to take extra precautions when walking outdoors this winter.
Recent freeze-thaw cycles have created hazardous surfaces across many communities, raising the risk of slips and falls. Active Aging in Manitoba recently shared how adjusting your walk can significantly reduce the chance of injury.
The penguin walk is designed to improve balance and stability on ice by keeping a person’s centre of gravity directly over their feet. It involves taking short, deliberate steps and moving slowly and deliberately rather than rushing.
Key tips for safer winter walking include bending slightly at the knees, walking flat-footed, and pointing feet slightly outward, not unlike the way a penguin walks. Keeping arms at your sides, rather than in pockets, allows for better balance if you begin to slip. Watching where you step, taking small, shuffle-like steps, and moving slowly are also strongly encouraged.
Officials also remind residents that no technique is foolproof, and proper winter footwear with good traction remains essential. Taking extra time and staying alert can help prevent falls, particularly during periods of icy or rapidly changing weather.
Residents are encouraged to use caution when walking outdoors and to consider delaying non-essential travel during particularly slippery conditions.
