During the winter months the snow that falls and the ice forms can make travelling a more dangerous prospect. Automobile accidents on the roads increase quite dramatically as does the severity of collisions due to longer stopping distances. [However, the roads aren’t the only places that become more dangerous and accidents involving pedestrians also increase due to slipping and falling.~In addition pedestrians are more likely to suffer injuries from slipping and falling.~Likewise there is an increased number of accidents involving pedestrians who slip and fall negotiating dangerous surfaces.} Many of these incidents actually occur on people’s own property as they negotiate their way down the drive or garden path. Whilst roads and pavements are often cleared, many neglect to maintain their own property with de-icing salt. Here are three tips to using de-icing salt that should help you stay safe.

Choosing the right time

Many people are often unsure when the right time to apply de-icing salt is. Should it be done prior to ice forming, or afterwards. The best idea is to apply before the weather turns inclement so that it can take immediate effect. Whilst it can vary dependent on location; 5.00pm tends to be the optimum time to spread your de-icing salt before the evening cold really takes a hold.

Getting the shovel out

Often homeowners that wake from their slumber to find freshly fallen snow will be tempted to apply de-icing salt on top. Unfortunately this won’t really have any impact on making the snow melt. It is much wiser to get the shovel out and clear the snow this way. The snow shouldn’t be frozen to the path or drive providing you applied some salt the previous evening. Feel free to add some more de-icing salt if you believe it will help.

Careful spreading

When applying your de-icing salt try to spread it as evenly as you can to treat all of the area whilst not wasting any. Finally, be sure not to let any get into your flowers beds or on the lawn as it will damage soil and have a negative effect on the growing of your lawn and flowers.