Thick layers of ice plague Toronto sidewalks

Sidewalks in Toronto have been covered in layers of ice. From newquebec.

According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, during the mild winter of 2011-2012, over 7,000 people went to the hospital as a result of falling on ice. And it’s safe to say that this winter (2013-2014) has not been a mild one! The city of Toronto has faced similar winter storms to those that have been pummeling the Northeast. Ice storms, polar vortexes, and piles of snow have created hazards everywhere. Of all the hazards (downed power lines, hypothermia, frostbite, icy roads), falling on icy Toronto sidewalks has created quite an uproar.

Slippery Toronto sidewalks are causing headaches

Since Winter Storm Gemini hit on December 21st, Toronto EMS reported on January 17th that on average, about three people an hour were being admitted to hospitals after slipping on ice. People above the age of 50 made up around 70 percent of these cases. Injuries from slipping on ice can range from minor bumps and bruises to concussions and broken bones.

What Toronto is doing

The city’s reaction to Winter Storm Gemini was not as effective as Torontonians had hoped. Peter Noehammer, Director of Toronto’s Transportation Services, said the department has received over 1,000 complaints of icy Toronto sidewalks since the storm hit.

However, Hector Moreno, a Manager of Road Operations in Toronto, explained that there was little the city could do to de-ice Toronto sidewalks after Winter Storm Gemini hit. On the night of the 21st, snow initially fell and it later turned into freezing rain. A few hours later, temperatures plummeted well below freezing, resulting in sidewalks covered with thick layers of ice. Adding to the problem, Toronto faced extremely low temperatures, and rock salt loses it’s ability to melt ice when temperatures are below -12°C (10°F).

When ice is inevitable, keep in mind these tips to avoid falling:

Stabilicer’s will prevent falling on icy sidewalks. From Wickerfurniture.

1. Have the right pair of winter walking boots. If your main priority when deciding which pair of winter walking boots to buy is not slipping on ice, traction is the most important feature to look into. The key for traction is to find a pair with quality lug soles. Lug soles have deep rubber indentations which improve traction and reduce slipping. Going a step further, if you either already have a stylish pair of boots or are extremely worried about slipping on ice, you can always buy a pair of Stabilicers. These are simple to put on and can easily be taken off before you enter your home or office.
2. Waddle like a penguin! The right walking technique can do wonders to prevent slipping on ice. As this Reddit info-graphic shows, walking like a penguin will center your body’s gravity, resulting in less falling. Evolution has definitely taught penguins the best technique to walk on ice!
3. Walk sideways up inclines. Orthopedic surgeons at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt Sinai recommend: “When walking on an incline that is covered in ice, turn sideways and avoid the normal walking motion of crossing one foot over the other.” They said, “it is safer to take a sidestep and bring your other foot along to meet your lead foot. Walking in this unusual method while bending your knees allows for better balance.”

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