Ice + Sidewalk Safety
Slip = broken hip. Prevent it.
Best ice melts
- Calcium chloride — works to -25°F. Fast. Pet-friendly options.
- Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) — safest for plants + concrete.
- Sand — adds traction (doesn't melt).
- Avoid rock salt — only works to 15°F + damages concrete + harms pets.
- Safe Paw — pet-safe, plant-safe, $20.
- Apply BEFORE snow — prevents ice bonding.
Senior winter shoes
- Yaktrax / Stabilicers — slip-on cleats. $25-40.
- ICEtrekkers — better grip on ice.
- Sorel Caribou — warm + grippy boots.
- Merrell Thermo Chill — waterproof + non-slip.
- Take off cleats indoors — slippery on tile.
- Test shoes for grip before winter outings.
Walking safely on ice
- Penguin walk — short steps, weight forward.
- Hands OUT of pockets for balance.
- Walking stick / cane with rubber tip + ice tip.
- Walk slow. No shortcuts.
- Stay on cleared paths.
- Wait for someone to walk with.
- Get groceries delivered on icy days.
- Don't trust "just dusting" — black ice deadly.
Hire snow help
- Local landscapers offer winter contracts.
- Plowz & Mowz app — Uber for snow plowing.
- Neighbor teens — $20-40/storm.
- Some Area Agencies on Aging offer FREE snow removal.
- HOA/condo — may include.
- Don't shovel — heart attacks spike during winter shoveling among seniors.
If you must shovel
- Push, don't lift, when possible.
- Lift with legs. Take small loads.
- Stretch first.
- Shovel often during storm — easier than thick later.
- Stop if chest pain, dizzy, short of breath.
- Drink water — yes, in cold.
- Tell someone you're shoveling.
Driveway de-icing tools
Hot Tubz Snow Joe heated mat — under welcome mat, melts before stepping. HeatTrak portable mats — for steps + walkways. Snowblower with electric start — see /tools/snowblower-pick. Driveway heating system $5-10K but install once + lasts decades.