How to walk safely on ice and snow, according to NHS health experts | UK News
The NHS has advised people to ‘waddle like penguins’ to avoid slipping in cold and icy conditions which have swept the UK.
If people walk with their legs apart, bend their knees and stick their arms out they can reduce their risk of falling, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said.
They added ‘penguins know best’ when it comes to walking on ice, even though it ‘might seem silly to walk or waddle’.
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The board warned that if people refused to follow their advice, they could face a nasty injury and a trip to the hospital.
Dr Emilia Crighton, director for public health at NHSGGC, said: ‘At this time of year — and especially in icy spells like this one — slips, trips and falls are the most common accidents that result in injury.
‘While it might seem silly to walk or waddle like a penguin, the alternative may be a nasty injury or even time in hospital.
‘Remember, when it comes to getting around on ice, penguins know best, so when you’re out and about in the next few days, adopting the penguin stance is a really effective way to move without falling.’
The warning comes as the UK braces for lows of -15°C this evening, making it the coldest night in January in 14 years.
A blast of Arctic air is dragging temperatures down until at least Thursday, with last night being the coldest night this winter with lows of -14°C in Scotland.
Five snow and ice warnings are in place today – including an amber alert in northern Scotland, which will see eight inches of snow today.
Drivers may end up stranded on the icy roads if they don’t plan, officials warn, while commuters are set to face delays and cancellations.
A Met Office spokesperson said: ‘Further frequent, occasionally heavy, snow showers will affect the Northern Isles and northwest Scotland through Wednesday evening and Thursday with an additional 5-10cm of snow likely, and the potential for a further 15-20cm of snow in a few locations.
‘In addition, strengthening northerly then northwesterly winds will cause lying snow to drift.’
The Met Office has extended a yellow weather warning for wind in place for Sunday, now stretching overnight to 6am Monday.
Northeast England is now also included in the alert.
‘Strong winds are expected to develop widely across the UK on Sunday, persisting into early Monday across parts of England and Wales,’ the national weather service says.
‘Within the warning area, many places are likely to see southwesterly winds gust to around 50-60mph and gusts may reach 60-70mph for exposed locations (e.g. coasts).’
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
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