Pedestrian Safety

In cold weather

• In cold weather, it is important to stay warm. If you are going to be outside, make sure to dress in layers or loose, dry clothing and wear a heavy coat,
• Wear shoes or boots and socks that will keep your feet warm and dry. When it is icy, make sure your shoes or boots have a good “tread.” This means they have soles on the bottom that keep you from slipping.
• If a walkway looks very icy, ask for help in walking or moving around safely.
• You may need to wear a hat, scarf and mittens or gloves depending on the temperature outside

Hot weather

• In hot and sunny weather, you will want to make sure you are protected from the sun. You should use sunscreen and you can also use clothing to protect yourself.
• In hot weather, you need to be careful about dehydration, which means not having enough fluid in your body. Take water with you and drink regularly.
• In very hot and humid weather, the weather service may issue a “heat advisory”. This means that it is dangerous for some people to be out in the heat. Pay attention to heat advisories before going out.

Stormy weather

• Check the weather in the morning to see what it will be like. If it is going to be stormy you should try to get a ride to where you are going. If you don’t have to go anywhere, stay home until the storm passes.
• Take an umbrella.
• Wear clothing appropriate for the weather- see the section on hot and cold weather.
• Stay on sidewalks.
• Cars may not be able to see you or to stop as fast, so make sure to watch for cars and don’t enter the roadway until it is clear.
• If you are out as a pedestrian when a storm comes, find shelter in a local business and stay until a storm passes. Or call a friend or support person to come and pick you up.