Prepare Ice Melt and Traction Materials

What happens in this clip

Gather a sufficient supply of ice melt, sand, gravel, or kitty litter. Before applying, verify that your chosen ice melt product is safe for your pets, lawn, and septic/well system if applicable. These materials will provide crucial traction on slippery pathways and driveways, reducing the risk of falls.

Goal: Have a supply of ice melt, sand, or gravel on hand to improve traction on icy surfaces and ensure the products are safe for your property and pets.

What's used

Tools

• Gravel
• Ice Melt
• Kitty Litter
• Sand
• Spreader (optional)

About the full video

This video provides a series of important tips for outdoor winter safety and maintenance. It covers checking the condition of snow shovels and scrapers, having a supply of safe ice melt or traction material like sand/gravel, being aware of icicle hazards and potential ice dams, ensuring adequate outdoor lighting, and performing essential maintenance on outdoor equipment such as snow blowers, including checking fuel, oil, spark plugs, belts, and lubrication points.

Step 5 of 5: Implement Snow and Ice Melting Solutions

To proactively manage snow and ice, consider installing heated stair mats designed for outdoor use. These mats plug in and generate heat to melt snow and ice on contact. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for placement and electrical connections, ensuring safe outdoor electrical practices. Alternatively, ensure you have a sufficient supply of safe, effective de-icing agents on hand. This could include rock salt (sodium chloride), calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or eco-friendly alternatives. Store them in an accessible location, ready for application when snow or ice begins to form.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Keep Outdoor Stairs Safe in Ice and Snow

1. Step 1: Inspect Existing Stairs

   • 0:00–0:15 Observe Existing Outdoor Stairs
   • 0:15–0:26 Evaluate Stair Safety
   • 0:00–0:17 Initial Visual Assessment of Step Construction

2. Step 2: Clean Stair Surfaces

   • 0:19–0:32 Clean Outdoor Wooden Surfaces
   • 1:12–1:14 Clean and Dry Steps
   • 1:13–1:37 Prepare the Surface

3. Step 3: Apply Anti-Slip Treads

   • 0:02–0:06 Apply Anti-Slip Strip
   • 0:51–4:06 Apply Adhesive-Backed Anti-Slip Products
   • 0:09–0:15 Understand Anti-Slip Product Options

4. Step 4: Install or Reinforce Railings

   • 0:24–0:42 Check Railing Height
   • 2:39–3:22 Check Railing Stability
   • 4:56–5:38 Attach Handrail

5. Step 5: Implement Snow and Ice Melting Solutions

   • 0:03–0:07 Apply De-Icing Salt to Surfaces
   • 0:07–0:20 Prepare Ice Melt and Traction Materials (this video)
   • 0:35–1:06 Ensure Snow and Ice Removal Readiness