From ice to mud and extreme heat to strong winds, each season in Ohio presents unique falls risks for older adults. Learn about these seasonal hazards and what you can do to reduce your risk.

Winter

Icy conditions make it harder to stay on your feet, and the cold may cause us to limit our activity, which can lead to loss of strength and balance.

Outdoor Safety

• Have an overall winter preparedness plan. Check out our emergency preparedness resources.
• Keep sidewalks and stairs outside your home clean of ice and snow. Make sure steps leading into your home have sturdy handrails that can support you if you slip.
• Carry a small bag or shaker of rock salt, sand, or kitty litter in your pocket or purse to sprinkle in front of you for traction on icy paths while you're out and about.
• When walking on surfaces that may be icy, shorten your stride and walk with feet pointed out slightly and knees gently bent (think like a penguin) to improve traction and balance.
• Avoid walking in more than an inch of snow. Snow can hide curbs, uneven surfaces and other tripping hazards. 

Dress for the Weather

• Choose coats, gloves, hats, and other winter attire that are designed to keep you warm but that also fit well and are not so bulky that they can restrict your movement or catch on nearby objects.
• Wear boots and shoes that fit properly and have soles with good traction. Keep shoes and walking aids (canes, walkers) dry and free of snow, ice, dirt, and mud.
• Carry a cell phone and designate someone to call for help if you need it. Let loved ones know when you are leaving the house and when you expect to be back; call them after you return home.

Stay Healthy

• Maintain regular physical activity during winter months to ensure you have the strength and balance you need to prevent falls. Ask your doctor or physical therapist about easy indoor exercises and seek opportunities to be active. Check out our exercises to prevent falls.
• Eat well and drink plenty of water to make sure you have the strength and focus to stay on your feet.
• Do some light stretching before going outdoors in cold or snowy weather to be more flexible and steady.

Safe at Home

• Clean up ice and snow tracked indoors and immediately remove wet footwear upon entering your home. Keep a chair and clean shoes or slippers by the door for this action.
• Ask your post office, newspaper, and garbage collector about service options that might make it safer for you when conditions are bad.
• Invest in extra lamps, nightlights and exterior lights so that you can always see where you are walking, especially around doorways and stairs. Use the highest-wattage bulbs recommended for your fixtures.
• Keep space heaters, cords, and blankets out of walkways. If you must use throw rugs on cold floors, secure them to the floor with tape.
• Keep flashlights near doorways and staircases in case the power goes out and you are left without lights in your home.

Check out more winter safety tips for older adults.

Fall

As the temperature starts its downward trend, and the days get shorter, new risks for falls arrive. 

• Leaves, branches and other debris from trees due to the change in seasons can make walkways slippery or hide tripping hazards, like uneven surfaces, edges, and steps. Keep walkways clean, and if you can't see that the surface is clear and flat, pick another path.
• If winterizing your home includes cleaning gutters, changing light bulbs, or other tasks that require you to get up high, use a step ladder or a step stool with a handle, and maintain three points of contact (two feet and a hand, or two hands and a foot) at all times. Do not climb on chairs or other furniture that was not designed for that purpose.
• Shorter days mean less direct sunlight and less sunlight overall, meaning you may need more light to get around your home safely. Invest in extra lamps, nightlights, and exterior pathway lights to make sure you can always see where you are walking, especially around doorways and stairs. Use the highest-wattage bulb recommended for your fixtures.
• Don't let the cooler weather and shorter days limit your activity. Exercise that builds and maintains strength and balance is important to prevent falls year-round. Ask your doctor or physical therapist about indoor exercises that can help you maintain strength and balance when you can't venture out. Check out our exercises to prevent falls.
• As the temperature drops, bundle up to stay warm, but make sure you can see in all directions and move easily and freely.
• Keep shoes and walking aids (canes, walkers) free of dirt and mud (wet or dry). Dry them off immediately upon coming in from wet conditions. Remember, wet shoes are just as dangerous as wet floors.

Use the autumn time change from Daylight Saving Time as a reminder to check your home for falls risks. Review our home safety tips.

Summer

When spring and summer arrive in Ohio, we can get out and enjoy the outdoors and get some much-needed exercise. However, severe spring and summer weather and other conditions can increase your risk of falling:

• Heat, dehydration and dizziness – Summer heat can lead to dehydration, which can make you dizzy and lead to falls. Dress appropriately for the temperature inside and outside your home. Drink plenty of liquids and seek cool shelter during the hottest part of the day.
• Rain and mud – Mud can be as slippery as snow and ice and can get on a variety of surfaces indoors and out. Avoid walkways that are covered with mud (wet or dry). Clean mud off of your shoes and walking aids to maintain the most traction.
• Storms – Summer storms can cause a variety of tripping hazards from power outages to debris in outdoor walkways. If you can’t see the path before you, find another way.
• Flooding – Never walk or drive into flood waters! Still water can make you trip and moving water can knock you off your feet.

Check out more spring and summer safety tips for older adults.

Spring

When spring arrives in Ohio, we can begin to get out and enjoy the outdoors and get some much-needed exercise. However, unpredictable spring weather and other situations can increase your risk of falling:

• Rain and mud – Mud can be as slippery as snow and ice and can get on a variety of surfaces indoors and out. Avoid walkways that are covered with mud (wet or dry). Clean mud off of your shoes and walking aids to maintain the most traction.
• Storms – Spring and summer storms can cause a variety of tripping hazards from power outages to debris in outdoor walkways. If you can’t see the path before you, find another way.
• Flooding – Never walk or drive into flood waters! Still water can make you trip and moving water can knock you off your feet.
• Increased activity – Ask your doctor or physical therapist about strategies to safely increase your activity level. Check out our exercises to prevent falls.

Use the spring time change to Daylight Saving Time as a reminder to check your home for falls risks. Review our home safety tips.

Check out more spring and summer safety tips for older adults.

Outdoor Events Any Time of Year

Outdoor fairs, festivals and other attractions in Ohio are great ways to get exercise that can help you prevent falls. While you're out and about, watch out for these commons falls risks:

• Uneven walkways: As much as possible, stick to paved surfaces and sidewalks. If you must walk in grass or gravel, watch the ground closely with your eyes, but keep your head up and face forward. Consider using a cane or walking stick for off-road walking.
• Tripping hazards: Trash, hoses, and cables in walkways can cause you to slip or trip. Watch where you are walking and do not step on or over items in your path.
• Crowds: Heavy crowds can affect the way you walk and cause you to trip or be knocked over. Consider attending events and attractions during off-peak times, such as early in the day and on weekdays, to avoid large crowds.
• Heat and dehydration: Dehydration and exhaustion can make you unsteady on your feet before you realize you feel tired or thirsty. Take frequent breaks to sit down and rest. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids to stay hydrated.