6 essential snow tools and accessories you need to stay safe around your property this winter

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

According to a study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, during the year 2014 more than 36,800 people were injured at work by slips and falls caused by snow or ice. That statistic does not include the tens of thousands of additional snow and ice fall injuries suffered by people at their homes, incidents that frequently go unreported but which nonetheless cause pain, loss of productivity, and that can lead to huge medical bills, not to mention long-term suffering during recovery.

Winter weather, with snowfall, sleet, and ice, can make driveways, sidewalks, stoops, and other outdoor areas dangerous for pedestrians. Such precipitation and freezing conditions also make safe operation of vehicles a much greater challenge. But life doesn't come to a halt just because some snow falls or some asphalt freezes over. Even when wintry weather sets in, we still need to get to work, get to the grocery store, go to medical appointments, visit friends and family, and a million other things.

The key to staying safe when venturing out during the depths of winter weather is to plan ahead. That means checking the forecast daily to anticipate upcoming weather and running any errands you can before the snow falls. It means preparing the surfaces on which you'll have to walk with snow melt products. It means having the right footwear to keep you upright and stable and the right protective clothing to keep yourself dry and warm. And it means having a few key products on hand that can help you clear snow and ice quickly and efficiently so you can get on with your life.

For starters, you need a great snow shovel. I've already written about the DMOS Alpha snow shovel, and it's still my top pick in that department. But a snow shovel is just one part of the arsenal you need to stay safe around your property this winter.

An ice melter that's safe for people and pets

Amazon

If you know that snowfall is on its way, be proactive and sprinkle ice melt over all the hard surfaces on which you, your family, or any visitors will have to walk. That includes the steps and stoop, the walkway, the driveway, the sidewalk in front of your home, the patio, and so forth. Spreading an ice-melting product before the snow falls will save you time clearing snow later (it won't stop heavy snowfall from accumulating, but it will prevent it from icing up and adhering to the ground) and will provide traction on the slick, icy ground created by precipitation and frigid temperatures.

And should you awake to find an unexpected blanket of snow or ice covering your property, ice melt will help you break up and clear the stuff faster than you could do with a shovel or snow blower alone. I recommend Safe Paw Non-Toxic Ice Melter becuase, as the name suggests, it's safe for use around pets and people, not to mention wild animals. This stuff costs a bit more than ice melters that are heavier on the chemicals, but people, pets, and the planet are worth it.

Buy an eight-pound container of Safe Paw Non-Toxic Ice Melter on Amazon for $22

A snow brush/ice scraper combo that clears the windshield fast

Amazon

If your mornings don't involve a spare 20 minutes during which you can let the car heat up and the snow and ice covering the windshield melt away, then you need a great tool for clearing that frigid mess away.

Fortunately, this Mallory USA Snow Brush Ice Scraper combination tool costs less than $10, so you can afford to keep one on hand. Or keep two around, one in the car, one near the door of your home. The brush helps you clear snow off of the windshield, windows, mirrors, and away from the light. Thanks to its long handle, most people will be able to clear the whole windshield with ease. If you find a layer of ice encrusted over the glass underneath that snow, no problem: flip the tool around and get to scraping.

Buy a Mallory USA Snow Brush Ice Scraper on Amazon for $9

A slip-resistant carpet that covers the snow and ice instantly

Amazon

So you forgot to spread out that ice melter before the snow fell or the wet ground froze, ey? And now you're in a rush and there's no time to clear away that hazardous precipitation? No problem! Just roll out this No Slip Ice and Snow Carpet from Outdoor Carpets and stride over snow, ice, or slush with confidence. The carpet measures 10 feet long and 2.5 feet wide, creating a capacious surface on which you can safely stride wearing any type of footwear.

The carpet easily conforms to the shape of steps or a stoop, helping to make navigation out of the house and down to the walkway or driveway safe and simple. And should you need to buy two or more of these slip-prevention carpets, you'll be glad to know they only cost $22.

Buy an Outdoor Carpets No Slip Ice and Snow Carpet from Amazon for $22

See the rest of the story at Business Insider