Staying Safe This Winter: Essential Tips for Home, Work, and Travel

As winter settles in across Canada, shorter days, icy roads, and freezing temperatures bring a unique set of safety challenges. Whether you're heading to work, walking your child to school, or driving to visit family, being prepared can make the difference between a close call and a serious injury.

At Sospita, we believe safety starts with awareness. Here's what you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your workplace during the coldest months of the year.

1. Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slip-and-fall injuries spike dramatically during winter. Ice, snow, and slush make even short walks hazardous - especially on driveways, sidewalks, and building entrances.

Tips to stay safe:

• Footwear matters: Wear boots with good traction and non-slip soles. Keep a spare pair at work if needed.

• Walk like a penguin: Short steps, flat feet, and a low centre of gravity can reduce the risk of slipping on ice.

• Clear pathways regularly: Salt or sand walkways at home and around workplaces before ice builds up.

• Be extra cautious on stairs: Use handrails and test each step before putting your full weight down.

• For workplaces, ensure that maintenance staff have a plan for snow and ice removal and that entryways include mats to absorb moisture and reduce slippery floors.

2. Stay Warm - and Aware of Cold Stress

Cold temperatures aren't just uncomfortable - they can be dangerous. Hypothermia and frostbite can occur faster than most people expect, especially in windy or wet conditions.

Know the warning signs:

• Hypothermia: Shivering, confusion, fatigue, and slurred speech.

• Frostbite: Numbness, tingling, or pale/blue skin on fingers, toes, ears, or nose.

• How to prevent cold stress:

• Dress in layers: A moisture-wicking base, an insulating layer, and a windproof/waterproof outer shell.

• Keep dry: Wet clothing loses insulation fast.

• Take warm-up breaks if working or playing outside for extended periods.

• Keep a change of clothes in your vehicle or workplace just in case.

• Workplaces with outdoor tasks - such as construction, delivery, or maintenance - should have a cold exposure policy, including scheduled breaks and access to warm shelter.

3. Be Ready for Winter Driving

Winter driving is one of the most serious safety challenges in Canada. Snow-covered roads and poor visibility increase accident risks for even the most experienced drivers.

Before you go:

• Install winter tires. They perform better in cold weather, not just on snow and ice.

• Top up fluids: Check antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, and oil.

• Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent freezing and ensure heat in emergencies.

• Clear your vehicle completely - don't just scrape a peephole in the windshield.

• Emergency kit essentials:

• Include a blanket, flashlight, shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, non-perishable snacks, first aid kit, and phone charger.

• And remember: slow down and increase following distance. Most winter collisions happen because drivers underestimate how long it takes to stop on slippery roads.

4. Fire and Carbon Monoxide Safety

Cold weather means furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters are working overtime - and that increases fire and carbon monoxide (CO) risks.

At home:

• Have your heating system inspected annually by a qualified technician.

• Install CO detectors near bedrooms and on every level of your home. Test them monthly.

• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet (1 metre) from anything flammable, and never leave them unattended.

• Use generators safely: Never run them indoors or in attached garages.

At work:

• Ensure all heating equipment is maintained and that employees know evacuation routes and fire extinguisher locations.

5. Prepare for Power Outages

Snow and ice storms can cause power outages that last hours or even days. A little preparation goes a long way.

Build a winter emergency kit:

• Flashlights and extra batteries

• Battery-powered radio

• Warm blankets and sleeping bags

• Bottled water and ready-to-eat food

• Portable phone chargers

• Prescription medications

If the power goes out, avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by never using outdoor heating or cooking devices indoors.

6. First Aid: Know What to Do

Winter emergencies can happen anywhere - in a car, on a trail, or at home. Knowing basic first aid and CPR can make you the first line of help when seconds count.

Common winter first aid situations include:

• Frostbite or hypothermia: Move the person to a warm place, remove wet clothing, and warm gradually. Avoid rubbing frostbitten areas.

• Falls and fractures: Keep the injured area still and supported until help arrives.

• Carbon monoxide poisoning: Move everyone to fresh air immediately and call emergency services.

If you haven't taken a first aid course recently, consider refreshing your certification. At Sospita, we offer comprehensive first aid and CPR training to help you stay ready for any emergency - at home or at work.

Final Thoughts

Winter safety isn't just about reacting to the weather - it's about being proactive. Small actions like keeping sidewalks salted, checking vehicle tires, or testing smoke detectors can prevent major accidents and injuries.

By staying alert, prepared, and informed, you can keep your family, co-workers, and community safe all winter long.