Winter is a beautiful season, and it varies depending on the country you are located in. In some countries, winters are extremely cold, and in some, they are not as cold, as the winter season comes with warm clothes, cosy days indoors, better sleep and clearer lungs. Winters can also be unpleasant, especially for the elderly people. In places with extreme winters, people can suffer cold injuries like frostbite and hypothermia. The most dangerous factor about the winter season is that the surfaces tend to be slippery. Due to that, some can be hospitalised by falling and getting injuries or can even experience death. 

Causes and prevention of slippery floors in winter 

• When it is snowing or raining outdoors, the snow or rain stays on people’s footwear. When they enter buildings, the floors become wet and slippery with their footwears. 
• A quasi-liquid layer, which is a thin layer of water that forms on ice, acts as a lubricant, which makes the floors wet and slippery causing people to slip and fall.
• Having polished, tiled and marble floors doesn’t provide grip, rough and slip-resistant floors are safer.
• Suppose a floor is poorly maintained and has cracks. Ice and water can stay there, especially if the floors hold moisture.
• The type of shoes we wear contributes to our safety in the winter season. We should always wear footwear that is slip-resistant
• Sometimes a mixture of mud, ice and dirt can cause slippery floors. This normally happens when the floors are not taken care of. 
• People sometimes may not see the ice or the slippery floors when it’s dark. So in places where the winters are extreme, there should be lights everywhere. 

How to make the outside of your house safe during the winter season 

• You can clear the snow from the sidewalks and driveways. Then add sand and crushed stone to make it less slippery.
• You can install grab on bars, railings and non-slippery floors and steps.
• Clearing the snow that falls on your roof is vitally important because it will eventually fall onto the ground, and that increases the risks of people falling. 
• Going outside in winter shoes with grip is always safer. Indoor shoes may not have the necessary grip. 
• Purchasing non-slippery mats and ramps is convenient, especially for the elderly people.
• It is better to rearrange your furniture so that it is easy for people to move around, especially the elderly.
• The elderly people are growing older, hence sometimes struggling to see, so putting lights everywhere for them is safer.

What are the possibilities if someone slips and falls 

• Bruises and cuts can occur because of the ice and snow. The location of bruises and cuts depends on the fall.
• Due to the sudden fall, others may experience spine problems, leading to strains and sprains.
• Your wrists and ankles can be twisted.
• A head fall can cause head injuries like concussions and brain injuries.
• Dislocation in the arms, wrists, hips and legs can occur, and sometimes conditions can be severe, leading to disability.

Conclusion
Winters in some countries can be very risky, especially when outdoors. They can lead to disabilities and put a strain on one’s finances because of unexpected accidents. The future is not in our hands; the only thing we can do is to plan and take preventative measures. Contact us at Insure Horizons. With the help of our experienced team, we can help you find the best insurance policy. Let us help you prepare for the unknown future. Your insurance policy can also be customised.