The expert spoke about the dangers during the snowfall period

Heavy snowfalls are observed in several regions of Russia this winter. They make familiar routes traumatic, and residential buildings and adjacent structures especially vulnerable. Elena Kosheleva, Director of SBERBANK Insurance Projects, told Izvestia on February 1 how to protect yourself, your property and reduce the consequences of winter unforeseen situations.

"During heavy snowfalls, the number of falls and injuries traditionally increases. Slippery areas are the most dangerous: paths and descents, ramps and stairs, public transport stops, entrance groups of entrances and shops," she noted.

You should move around in such places especially carefully: take your time, take short steps and put your foot completely on the foot. Your knees should be slightly bent, so it's easier to keep your balance, and your hands should be free, not in your pockets, which will help soften your fall if you can't hold on. Choose shoes with embossed soles or use anti-slip pads, it is better to abandon heels.

If you couldn't avoid falling, the expert recommended softening the impact: bend your legs slightly, press your chin to your chest, and keep your arms closer to your body, bringing your elbows to your sides. The least traumatic option is to fall on your side, while a sharp fall forward or onto your back increases the risk of injury.

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After the incident, you should not immediately get up: give yourself time to assess how you feel. If pain or other alarming symptoms occur, it is important to photograph the scene and seek medical help as soon as possible. You will need a photo if you decide to receive compensation from the organization responsible for maintaining the area where you were injured.

"If you have insurance in case of such accidents, it will provide a payment from the insurance company, which can be spent on treatment or otherwise disposed of at your own discretion. In winter, it is important to remember that danger lurks not only under your feet. Snow and ice from roofs, balconies and canopies can come off suddenly," Kosheleva said.

The easiest and most reliable way to protect yourself is to keep your distance from building facades and not linger under overhanging structures. In courtyards, it is better to route closer to the center of the aisles, avoiding movement along the walls.

Heavy snowfalls can also cause damage to property. When snow covers a house and a plot, it is important to act promptly and consistently to minimize possible damage. Owners of suburban real estate should first check the vulnerable elements of houses: tightly close windows, doors, attic hatches and ventilation openings, preventing the penetration of cold and moisture into the premises.

Roofs, canopies, canopies, terraces and entrance areas require special attention. Snow accumulating over several days significantly increases the load on structures and can lead to their breakdown. It is recommended to remove it gradually, evenly distributing the weight: you can not completely clean one side of the roof, leaving the other under the snow mass.

"Remember that working at height is associated with an increased risk, so in winter it is safer to trust their professionals — self-cleaning often results in injuries," the specialist warned.

Paths should be cleared on the site in a timely manner, especially near entrances, ramps and areas of active movement of children and pets. Slippery surfaces can be treated with sand or a specialized anti-ice mixture to reduce the risk of falls.

In winter, the likelihood of accidents also increases: snowfall can lead to wire breaks, power outages, and damage to engineering systems. To secure your home and maintain comfort, you should prepare uninterruptible power supplies for basic appliances and alternative energy sources such as a generator, flashlights, and batteries in advance. This will make it possible to maintain heating, lighting, and communications if the central network temporarily fails.

Even with careful observance of all precautions, it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of injury or damage to property. Therefore, in winter, it is important to think about financial protection in advance. Within the framework of one insurance policy, it is possible to cover the costs of treatment and rehabilitation, as well as the restoration of housing.

On January 19, Mikhail Doroshev, an orthopedic traumatologist of the highest category, an arthrologist, PhD, spoke about the "correct" fall when losing balance in icy conditions. According to him, even a fall from a height of one's own height can lead to serious injuries, but the severity of the damage depends on age, health status and physical fitness. If you lose your balance, the specialist recommended protecting your head, throwing objects out of your hands if possible and trying to slow down the fall, as well as not landing on outstretched arms, elbows or knees.

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