As the vibrant colors of autumn begin to paint the Alaskan landscape, a new set of challenges emerges. For Alaskans, the change of seasons is a beautiful, yet complex, transition. With colder temperatures creeping in, the ground you walk on can quickly become a hidden hazard, and a simple misstep could lead to a serious fall. You need to protect yourself and your loved ones from preventable accidents this season.
Common Fall Hazards in the Last Frontier
The Alaskan environment presents a unique combination of risks that can make falls more likely. While many fall accidents happen at home, outdoor dangers are particularly pronounced as the seasons change. Here are some of the most common fall hazards to be aware of:
Icy and Slippery Surfaces: What appears to be a harmless dusting of snow can often hide a slick sheet of ice. This is particularly true on walkways, stairs, and driveways, where the freeze-thaw cycle can create treacherous, almost invisible, ice patches.
Uneven Trails and Boardwalks: Alaska’s stunning parks and trails often feature natural and man-made surfaces like weathered wooden boardwalks, hidden roots, and uneven rocks. The addition of fall foliage and frost can make these already challenging paths even more dangerous.
Poor Lighting: With fewer daylight hours, visibility can be a serious issue. Walking in the early morning or evening can be risky if pathways, porches, and parking areas are not adequately lit.
How to Reduce Your Risk
Prevention is the most powerful tool you have. By taking a few simple, thoughtful steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of a fall this season:
Mind Your Footwear: Invest in a pair of sturdy, insulated boots with aggressive, non-slip treads. Consider adding ice cleats or traction devices that can be slipped over your shoes for extra grip when conditions are particularly slick.
Clear Your Paths: Keep walkways, stairs, and driveways clear of snow, ice, and fallen leaves. Applying sand, gravel, or kitty litter can provide much-needed traction.
Improve Visibility: Install motion-activated lights or nightlights on your outdoor paths and in dimly lit areas inside your home. Make sure light switches are easily accessible and that there are flashlights handy in case of a power outage.
Modify Your Home: The majority of falls occur at home. Simple modifications like installing grab bars in bathrooms, adding handrails to both sides of stairways, and securing loose rugs can make a big difference.
Your Health is Your Greatest Asset
Beyond environmental hazards, your personal well-being is crucial to preventing falls. Staying active, maintaining muscle strength, and improving your balance through exercises like Tai Chi or gentle walking can help you stay sure-footed.
Additionally, always be mindful of your medications and how they may affect your balance or awareness. Regular check-ups with your doctor and an eye exam can also help identify and address underlying health issues that could contribute to a fall.
Talk to an Anchorage Personal Injury Attorney For Help
At Rosano Law, we believe that a safe community is a strong community. We are here to help you navigate the legal complexities that can arise from a serious fall-related injury. We understand the unique risks our community faces. This is the reason why our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, client-focused support to help you and your family navigate these challenges.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a fall, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our compassionate legal team is ready to listen to your story and provide the guidance you need.
Contact us today at (907) 312-2292 to schedule a consultation.