Tips For Dodging Winter Slip-And-Fall Accidents In New York
Residential property owners in New York have plenty of ways to better avoid slip-and-fall accidents this upcoming winter season.
Fall is finally tumbling its way down along with the mercury, which means that winter will soon make its way to New York. Home and condo owners who hope to keep themselves off the receiving end of a personal injury claim will do well to take steps to make the exterior of their properties as safe as possible. These tips may not only make a home exterior safer, but may improve its general appearance as well.
Take Care Of Snow Asap
No matter if company is coming over or not, it is best to shovel snow from steps as soon as it starts to build up. Taking quick action may be key in preventing slips and falls, and not waiting may also make later snow removal easier and less time-consuming. Additionally, homeowners should be aware that objects might be buried under the snow where they may cause someone to trip. Dog and children’s toys, potted plants, lawn furniture, curbing, yard debris and hoses may easily become hazards, and grounds for a potential personal injury suit.
Be On The Lookout For Ice Hazards
Besides snow, ice is another danger of which property owners should make themselves aware. Icicles hanging from gutters and other overhead areas have the potential to break off and seriously injure guests. Heating cables are available to install in gutters to prevent ice dams and icicles from forming along roof edges.
Keep Pathways Unobstructed
All walkways, patios, porches, driveways and other paths leading to and from a residential property should be kept clear of ice and snow. Standard methods of getting rid of dangerous ice and snow include the following:
● Salt
● Sand
● Snow blowers
● Cat litter
● Shovels
● Wood chippings
Property owners should be sure to carefully read the instructions on ice melt and de-icer products, as some of them may harm concrete over time. Biodegradable cat litter, wood chips, gravel and straw are often the best options for protecting concrete.
Inform Guests Of Potentially Slippery Areas
Condo and homeowners who know they will have company, or have mail delivered to their door, should be sure to let visitors know of exterior areas that are commonly slippery, and that is even if those areas were recently cleared of snow and ice. Hazardous areas sometimes freeze over faster than people might think, and there may be spots that were overlooked. Letting guests know where they should use caution may help them avoid an accident.
While the above tips may assist New York City residential property owners in avoiding injuries on their property, accidents might still happen. If they do and the injured party decides to pursue a personal injury suit, turning to a reputable and experienced law firm is often a good idea.