The number one reason patients visit our Emergency Departments during winter storms is due to injury from falls.
While we want you to enjoy your snow day, we also want you to be safe! Injuries from falling are not only common when we have winter weather – they’re the top reason people seek treatment from our Emergency Departments and Urgent Care locations both during and directly following a winter weather event.
Below, we’ve compiled a few tips to help you prevent dangerous falls. Take a look, and exercise caution when venturing outside in snowy and/or icy conditions!
5 Tips to Prevent Yourself from Falling
Regardless of your age, both the old and the young are at equal risk of a fall. Here are five tips to prevent a fall.
- Wear proper footwear with good traction.
- Take slow, small steps.
- Use your feet as probes to detect possible slip, trip and fall hazards.
- Hold on to railings and other stable objects when possible.
- Protect the more vulnerable parts of your body like your head, neck and spine if you do fall.
WakeMed Emergency Departments Are Open 24/7
Remember, WakeMed emergency departments are always open – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Not sure if it’s worth a trip to the ER? View these helpful tips on when to visit the emergency department. For less serious or orthopaedic-related injuries, we also offer orthopaedic urgent care.
Stay Updated on Closings/Delays & Emergency Information
Are you a WakeMed employee? Stay up-to-date with the latest inclement weather and emergency information here.
Planning on visiting one of the WakeMed facilities? Check the latest closings and delays here.
Other Helpful Resources
- 12 Things to Have Stocked in Your Pantry During Blizzard Season | The Weather Channel
- Winter Storm Safety Checklist | American Red Cross
- Winter Weather | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Winter Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories | National Weather Service
- Winter Storm Preparedness | American Red Cross
