The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations (MChS) has published practical advice to help people avoid injuries during spells of ice and freezing rain. With surfaces turning slippery across towns and cities, authorities urge residents to adjust footwear and behaviour and to report hazards to local administrations.
Ice safety Russia: Choose the right footwear and move carefully
Begin with footwear. Shoes with non-slip, microporous soles provide better grip on frozen surfaces and greatly reduce the risk of a fall. Fashionable high heels increase the chance of slipping and are best avoided in icy conditions.
When walking, keep your eyes on the surface ahead and plan your route to avoid particularly slick patches. If you cannot bypass an ice-covered stretch, move across it like a skier, taking small sliding steps to maintain balance. Always aim to place your whole foot down and keep your knees slightly relaxed to absorb shocks.
Hands should ideally be free. Carrying heavy bags or keeping hands in pockets raises the likelihood of falling and reduces your ability to break a fall. If possible, use backpacks or distribute weight evenly so hands remain available for balance or to grasp a rail.
Keep to treated paths and take care near traffic
Choose routes that have been sanded or treated with grit where available. Be particularly cautious on roadways: do not hurry or run near moving traffic. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles, since drivers may also struggle on ice.
On stairways, use handrails and take your time. Avoid stepping on sloping or uneven surfaces where traction is compromised. If you must cross an iced puddle, move deliberately and slowly to preserve balance.
What to do if you slip and fall
If you begin to slip, bend your knees and crouch to lower your centre of gravity and reduce the height of a potential fall. If you do fall, try to tuck and roll to spread the impact rather than bracing with outstretched arms. Do not attempt to rescue items you are carrying; priority should be your own safety.
After a fall, do not rush to get up. Check for injuries and ask passers-by for help if you feel unsteady. Falls onto the back or face are particularly dangerous and can cause concussion. In all cases of suspected injury seek medical attention promptly.
Watch for secondary hazards: power lines and ice accretion
Freezing rain and heavy ice can coat overhead lines and public transport contact networks. Pay attention to sagging or broken wires; if you see damaged lines, report the location to local authorities immediately and keep clear of the area. Live wires present a serious risk and should only be handled by emergency services and utility crews.
Finally, the MChS has prepared an explanatory video demonstrating safe behaviour during icy conditions. Residents are encouraged to follow official weather forecasts, prepare accordingly, and apply these simple precautions to reduce the risk of winter injuries.
Key Takeaways:
- Follow guidance from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations to reduce slips and falls.
- Prioritise non-slip footwear and keep hands free to improve ice safety Russia.
- Walk cautiously: use whole-foot steps, avoid steep surfaces and hold railings on stairs.
- Report broken power lines and seek medical attention after any injury.
