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| Don't leave it too late. |
Top Tips for Clearing Paths of ice and snow
It's much easier to clear fresh snow, so make a start if you can before it gets squashed down
Don't use hot water. This will melt the snow, but may well replace it with black ice, increasing the risk of injury.
Choose suitable clothing for the task, for example, footwear that provides a good grip.
If shovelling snow, think about where you're going to put it, so that you don't cause further problems. Make sure it will not cause problems when it melts. Piling snow over gullies or drains may stop melting snow from draining away and cause it to refreeze.
Clear a small path down the middle of the area to be cleared first, so that you have a safe surface to walk on. You can then shovel from the centre to the sides.
Spread some de-icer on the area you have cleared to prevent ice forming. Don't use too much. It will take a little while to work.
If there is no de-icer available, then a little sand or ash can be used - it will not have the same de-icing properties but should offer more grip under foot.
Use the sun to your advantage. Removing the top layer of snow will allow the sun to melt any ice beneath; but you will need to cover any ice with de-icer to stop refreezing overnight.
Some de-icers, such as salt, can be washed away by further snowfalls or rain and then refreeze, leaving black ice. If this happens, more salt should be used soon after the rain has stopped and before temperatures reach freezing. Particular care and attention should be given to steps and steep slopes
Try to sweep up any excess grit, sand or other substances used come the thaw - to prevent these from blocking drains.
