“In such weather, the risk of injury due to falls increases significantly. Slipping on the icy crust of sidewalks and roads often results in fractures, bruises and dislocations. If possible, it is better to stay at home on such days. If you need to go outside, it is important to wear shoes with stable, non-slip soles and move slowly: take small steps, stepping on the entire sole. The smaller the step, the more stable the gait,” warned the expert from the Gemotest Laboratory.
According to her, in order to avoid injuring your arms, shoulders and collarbones, it is better not to keep your hands in your pockets.
“It’s much safer to spread them slightly apart if you start to fall, they will help you maintain your balance and can become a shock-absorbing support if you fall. It is safer to fall forward with support on your hands. Falling backwards in this case is very dangerous due to the high risk of head injuries. If you do fall, try to carefully get up and get home as soon as possible - there, inspect the area of the injury, apply a cold compress, and rest. If the pain does not go away, and the injured area swells, turns blue or red, you need to go to the emergency room,” said the doctor.
To reduce the risk of falls, it is important to adhere to certain safety rules on the street, RT’s interlocutor advised.
“Hands should be free, this often helps to maintain balance when you have already begun to fall. Therefore, it is better to put your phone in your pocket or bag, and on the way home do not go to the grocery store, so as not to go with bags at the ready. The most convenient option in icy conditions is a shoulder bag or backpack, which does not need to be held in your hands. On the sidewalk it is better to walk along the edge; usually it is less rolled out and therefore not so slippery. The most dangerous places in this weather are stairs. If possible, it is better to bypass them altogether. If there is no other way, you need to hold on to the handrails and walk slowly, put both feet on each step and only then take the next step,” the surgeon said.
Another danger of freezing rain is hypothermia and frostbite, especially if a person is not dressed for the weather, Zubova warned.
“In such weather, frostbite can happen even in 10-15 minutes, because gusts of icy wind quickly penetrate under clothing and cool the upper layers of the skin. To avoid freezing, you need to wear several layers of clothing, and also do not forget about a hat, scarf, mittens or gloves. The most preferable option is thermal underwear, then a layer of insulation, for example, a sweater or fleece jacket, and on top - windproof and waterproof outerwear, for example, a jacket with a windproof membrane,” the doctor concluded.
Earlier, the Moscow Emergency Situations Ministry issued a warning about freezing rain and fog in the capital on February 12.