Decks, Patios, Steps A Danger In Icy Conditions

Watch your step as decks, patios and steps can be an icy danger to your body.

Putnam County EMS Chief Tommy Copeland said the season increases the volume of calls. He said the department responds to several calls each day related to falls. Copeland said that ice and snow simply make that worse.

“I think people fall more and harder when it’s like an ice surface,” Copeland said. “You know on the decks and stuff, I mean it may get more slippery, but the ice and the snow and all that definitely increase how many people fall.”

Copeland said that two types of ice typically cause falls which are called Black Ice and Spotted Ice. Copeland said that Black Ice is nearly invisible, blending in with pavement while spotted ice consists of random patches that people usually do not see in time. Copeland said that both of these types appear on decks and to be cautious about where you step.

“People are walking alone fine and then all of the sudden they end up on an ice patch and go down,” Copeland said. “Not anticipating that so both those are real concerns that you can not see the ice or it’s not readily apparent.”

While no one is immune, Copeland said there are a couple ways to prevent yourself from slipping. Copeland said having a walking pole or walking stick is something that you can do. Copeland said another way to protect yourself is to get special shoes that have winter tread on them, yet advised to not wear special shoes inside as the tread will ruin the floor. Copeland also said the best way to avoid falling is to avoid going out and stay inside.

“I will say one caution, if you don’t need to be out, you know stay in,” Copeland said. “if you do have to go out for something, be very cautious about where you are walking.”

Copeland said that if you have the unfortunate accident and hurt yourself severely because of the Ice, whether on a Deck or on the Ground, to call 911 and help will be on the way.