10 Tips to Manage Your Way Through Snow and Refreezing Ice

The weather in Fairfax Station is going to be cold this weekend, and that snow may melt during the day and refreeze at night.

On Saturday in the Fairfax Station area, it will be sunny and the high temperature will be 33 degrees, and an evening low of 18 degrees. Sunday will peak at 35, and a low temp of 25 is expected, according to the National Weather Service. 

Here are 10 tips on dealing with black ice and slick roads and sidewalks:

1. Wear proper footwear. Proper footwear should place the entire foot on the surface of the ground and have visible treads. Avoid a smooth sole and opt for a heavy treaded shoe with a flat bottom.
2. During the day, wear sunglasses so that you can see in the reflective light of the snow. Also, wear a bright coat or scarf so that drivers can easily see you.
3. Plan ahead. While walking on snow or ice on sidewalks or in parking lots, walk consciously. Instead of looking down, look up and see where your feet will move next to anticipate ice or an uneven surface. 
4. Make sure you can hear. Be sure you can hear approaching traffic and other noises. Avoid listening to music or engaging in conversation that may prevent you from hearing oncoming traffic or snow removal equipment.
5. Anticipate ice. Be wary of thin sheets of ice that may appear as wet pavement (black ice). Often ice will appear in the morning, in shady spots or where the sun shines during the day and melted snow refreezes at night. 
6. Walk slowly down steps and grip handrails. 
7. Enter a building carefully. When you get to your destination such as school, work, shopping center, etc., be sure to look at the floor as you enter the building. The floor may be wet with melted snow and ice.
8. When stepping off a curb or getting into a car, be careful shifting your weight.
9. Avoid taking shortcuts. A shortcut path may be treacherous because it is likely to be located where snow and ice removal is not possible.
10. Look up. Be careful about what you walk under. Injuries also can result from falling snow/ice as it blows, melts, or breaks away from awnings and buildings

The following tips were provided by the Snow & Ice Management Association.

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