It is difficult enough for Jones students to force their bodies awake at an ungodly hour five days a week and drag themselves to the CTA without the added risk of ice covering the pavement. The slippery status of the sidewalks has turned what is already a grueling trek into a fight for your life. 

Thankfully, there are easy ways to conquer the ice and make it to school safely.

First, it is important to wear the correct footwear when walking on icy surfaces. Wearing flat footwear and shoes with rubber soles can be a game changer during the winter months, as rubber has more traction than leather soles or high heels. Wearing flat shoes is also key to walking on ice because they improve balance and stability. 

Another helpful tip when it comes to icy weather is pacing yourself correctly. Walking too fast can quickly cause instability and a loss of balance, making it far more likely that you will fall. It is recommended to slow yourself down as you traverse the ice, such as by pushing your feet as you move rather than picking them up. Make sure to concentrate on the movement of your feet and your speed or else you might accidentally speed up and lose your balance. 

One last piece of advice is to use floor mats when entering a building to remove the moisture from your shoes. Just because you are out of the icy conditions does not mean that you cannot still slip. Watch out for residual water, even when you are inside, to prevent yourself from sliding around the school hallways. 

In the unfortunate case that you do slip, it is pertinent to know how to do so safely. One way to cushion yourself when you fall is by bending your knees to absorb some of the impact. Another trick is to not stretch out your hands to catch yourself, but try to land on your rear end instead. This prevents any damage to your wrists, such as a break or a sprain, which can happen easily when too much pressure is placed on the area. Most importantly, your head would be kept safe. Injuries to the head can be fatal, so keeping this specific area of your body safe is essential. 

Good luck out there, JCP. Don’t let the ice get you down!