Winter months present additional hazards that are typically not factors during warmer weather – specifically, slip and fall concerns. With snow and ice-covered conditions, you run the risk of taking major falls, which can lead to serious injuries. Here’s tips to keep in mind to avoid slip and fall accidents during the winter months.
Prevention
Education is essential in preventing winter weather-related injuries. Consider the following recommendations to prevent slip and fall injuries during the winter months:
- Wear the proper footwear that provides traction on snow and ice. Footwear should be made of anti-slip material; avoid plastic and leather-soled shoes or boots.
- Exercise caution when entering and exiting vehicles, and use the vehicle for balance and support.
- Try to walk only in designated areas that are safe for foot traffic. If you notice that a walkway is covered in ice, walk on the grass next to the sidewalk, which will have more traction.
- Avoid inclines that are typically difficult to walk up or down as they may be more treacherous in winter conditions.
- Take small steps to maintain your center of balance, walk slowly and never run. When possible, walk with your hands free to maintain your balance. And despite the cold temperatures, avoid putting your hands in your pockets. This will help you better maintain your balance and allow you to break a fall should you slip.
- Use handrails, walls or anything stationary to assist in steadying your feet.
- Look ahead to the path in front of you to avoid hazards.
- Test a potentially slippery area before stepping on it by tapping your foot on the surface first.
- Remove debris, water and ice from all working walkways.
- Steer clear of roof edges, floor openings and other drop-offs to avoid slipping hazards.
- Sand or salt surfaces covered by ice or snow to provide traction.
- Dry your shoes or boots on floor mats when entering a building.
- Report trip and fall hazards immediately to your supervisor.
- Seek shelter immediately in the event of severe weather conditions.
If You Begin to Slip…
- Twist your body and roll backward to avoid falling forward and injuring your face.
- Try to relax your body when you start to feel your legs give way.
About Titan Security Group
Titan launched in 1994 with a vision for a better way to provide security services to the Midwest. Today, Titan is one of the largest security companies in North America, scheduling over 120,000 hours per week, employing more than 3,600 security staff, and has enjoyed over twenty-nine consecutive years of successfully serving our clients across a wide range of industries. Titan delivers results to clients through flexible, customized security solutions, and superior customer service. The Titan approach combines traditional security staffing with electronic security systems to provide integrated, efficient, and customized safety and security solutions from a single source.
Alongside our cross-sector partners, Titan Security is monitoring the following anticipated protest and event activity in or near the Chicago Loop.
Demonstrations/Special Events
- Friday, January 6 at 12:00pm: W Randolph/N Clark to 121 N LaSalle (City Hall), Group will gather/march for their cause “Rally for America: Jan 6th Protest”
- Saturday, January 7 at 7:30am: 301 E North Water (Sheraton Hotel), Group will gather for their cause “AVMA: Stop Burning Animals Alive” *
- Saturday, January 7 at 11:00am: 1621 W Touhy (Touhy Park) to 1410 S Museum Campus (Soldier Field), Group will gather/drive for their cause “We Stand in Solidarity with Iranian Women – Car Caravan” **
- Sunday, January 8 at 12:00pm, 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza), Group will gather for their cause “Freedom for Iran” **
- Friday, January 13 at 10:00am: 737 N Michigan (Japanese Consulate), Group will gather for their cause “#LtRidgeAlkonis: Bring Lt. Ridge Home”
Notes/Analysis
* = American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) annual conference taking place at Sheraton Hotel from Thursday to Saturday
** = Monitoring ongoing, often short-notice events tied to protests in Iran
Event/Protest Best Practices
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
About Titan Security Group
Titan launched in 1994 with a vision for a better way to provide security services to the Midwest. Today, Titan is one of the largest security companies in North America, scheduling approximately 80,000 hours per week, employing more than 2,000 security staff, and has enjoyed over twenty-seven consecutive years of successfully serving our clients across a wide range of industries. Titan delivers results to clients through flexible, customized security solutions, and superior customer service. The Titan approach combines traditional security staffing with electronic security systems to provide integrated, efficient, and customized safety and security solutions from a single source.
Updated Thursday, December 12 at 5:00am
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Chicagoland area.
The Warning is in effect beginning Thursday, December 22 at 12:00 PM CST until Saturday, December 24, 6:00 AM CST. During this time, blizzard conditions are possible with winds potentially gusting as high as 50 miles per hour and up to 6 inches of snow.
Falling and blowing snow may result in white out conditions with zero visibility at times, making travel extremely difficult. Additionally, wind chills may reach as low as 25 to 35 degrees below zero during the height of the storm. Wind chills of this magnitude can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 20 minutes.
If you must travel, please take additional time to prepare for the weather conditions and use caution. Travel is expected to become very difficult as roadways may become snow-covered and slippery leading to unfavorable conditions. Visibility will also be sharply reduced during snowfall in specific areas.
For an update on the latest road conditions from the Winter Storm Warning, please visit gettingaroundillinois.com for a live map of the roads near you.
Additional details on this alert may be found via the NWS web portal for Chicago, which is updated on a regular basis: Chicago NWS Portal.
For information regarding how to stay safe during the winter season, please visit our Winter Weather Safety Tips.
Titan Security is proud to represent safety operations across a range of locations, sectors, and Clients at the most recent meeting of the Chicago Public-Private Task Force (CPPTF). As a part of larger cross-sector safety efforts across the region, the CPPTF meets monthly to discuss issues relevant to multiple agencies and businesses.
Public Sector Updates
- Chicago Police Department (CPD) 1st District: recent special event frequency down with the season; noted upcoming protests and demonstrations; preparation for New Years Eve underway
- Chicago Police Department (CPD) 12th District: violent crime flat month-to-month; special event tempo down
- Chicago Police Department (CPD) 18th District: Mag Mile parade successful; NYE preparedness underway; crime down slightly overall, retail theft up
- Chicago Police Department CPIC Fusion Center: provided initial summary of rifle attack on power substation in North Carolina on 12/03
- Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC): continues to lead city efforts on incoming buses of migrants/asylum seekers; planning underway for NASCAR race in July
- Chicago Fire Department (CFD): pushing winter safety tips including carbon monoxide risk and house fires; new public education coordinator Paul Lea introduced to task force
- Cook County Emergency Management Regional Security (CCDEMRS): Latesha Tubbs has joined agency as planning and preparedness manager
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS): continuing with site security assessments; multiple virtual training opportunities available, including active shooter scenarios
Other Updates
- Meeting held via videoconference with approximately 30 attendees
- No fireworks display along Chicago River this NYE; Navy Pier will have fireworks on night of December 31
- CPPTF will be resuming in-person task force meetings beginning in 2023
- A number of subcommittees and working groups will present updates in January
About the CPPTF
The Chicago Public-Private Task Force (CPPTF) has combined the planning and preparedness efforts of public, private, and nonprofit institutions for more than a decade. Member organizations volunteer their networks, skillsets, and expertise to address common safety and security issues affecting the broader community. Sectors represented include first responders, hotels and tourism, universities, financial firms, cultural properties, commercial properties, residential properties, retail properties, and hospitals.
About Titan Security Group
Titan launched in 1994 with a vision for a better way to provide security services to the Chicagoland community. Today, Titan is one of the largest security companies in North America, scheduling more than 80,000 hours per week, employing more than 2,250 security staff, and having enjoyed over twenty-seven consecutive years of successfully serving our clients across a wide range of industries. Titan delivers results to clients through flexible, customized security solutions, and superior customer service. The Titan approach combines traditional security staffing with electronic security systems to provide integrated, efficient, and customized security solutions from a single source.
Titan Security, in coordination with our cross-sector public safety partners, is monitoring the following event and demonstration activity in or near the Chicago Loop.
Anticipated Events/Demonstrations
- Friday, December 16 at 5:00pm: 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza), Group may gather for their cause “Constitutional Protest”
- Friday, December 16 at 6:00pm: 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park), Group will gather for their event “Holiday Sing Along”
- Saturday, December 17 at 1:00pm: 401 S Michigan to 100 W Wacker, Group will gather/march for their cause “Stop Executions in Iran”
- Saturday, December 17 at 1:00pm: 1 W Wacker, Group will gather for their cause “Resist the Dictator”
- Sunday, December 18 at 3:00pm: 835 N Michigan (Water Tower), Group will gather for their cause “Stop Russia – #StopEcocide”
- Monday, December 19 at 5:00pm: 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza), Group will gather for their event “Daley Plaza Grand Menorah Lighting”
- Tuesday, December 20 at 9:30am: 160 N LaSalle (Bilandic Building), Group will gather for their cause “Protest to Oppose / in Support of the Illinois Assault Weapons Ban”
- Friday December 30 at 5:30pm: 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza), Group will gather/ride for their cause “Chicago Critical Mass Bike Caravan”
Notes/Analysis
- Morning of December 20 will see protest and counterprotest at 160 N LaSalle in favor of and supporting proposed assault weapons ban in Illinois
- Additional holiday season events pending; New Years Eve fireworks at Navy Pier on 12/31
Event/Protest Best Practices
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
About Titan Security Group
Titan launched in 1994 with a vision for a better way to provide security services to the Midwest. Today, Titan is one of the largest security companies in North America, scheduling approximately 80,000 hours per week, employing more than 2,000 security staff, and has enjoyed over twenty-seven consecutive years of successfully serving our clients across a wide range of industries. Titan delivers results to clients through flexible, customized security solutions, and superior customer service.
In coordination with our cross-sector public-safety partners, Titan Security is monitoring several anticipated public gatherings in or near the Chicago Loop.
Special Events and Protests
- Thursday, December 1 at 12:00pm: 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza), Group will gather for their cause “Remember our Past, Protect our Future: Petition Delivery to EPA Region 5”
- Thursday, December 1 at 4:00pm: 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza), Group will gather/march for their cause “Legal Abortion on Demand and Without Apology Everywhere”
- Friday, December 2 at 10:00am: 121 N LaSalle (City Hall), Group will gather for their event “Law Enforcement Exercise” *
- Friday, December 2 at 4:00pm: 100 W Randolph (Thompson Center): Group will gather for their cause “Demand Same Resources as Highland Park for Families Impacted by Gun Violence on Southside and Westside”
- Friday, December 2 at 6:00pm: at 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park), Group will gather for their event “Millennium Park Holiday Sign Along” **
- Saturday, December 3 at 1:00pm: 401 N Michigan (Pioneer Court) to 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park), Group will gather/march for their cause “Chitown 4 Brittany Griner”
- Sunday, December 4 at 10:00am: 160 E Pearson (Ritz-Carlton), Group will gather for their cause “Protest Heartland Alliance’s Holiday Brunch”
- Friday, December 9 at 7:45am: 567 W Lake (CTA Headquarters), Group will gather for their cause “CTA Workers Demand Respect!”
- Friday, December 9 at 12:00pm: 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza), Group will gather for their cause “Stand Up Against Starbucks Corporate Bullies!”
- Saturday, December 10 at 2:00pm: 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza), Group will gather/march for their cause “International Human Rights Day”
- Sunday, December 11 at 8:00am: 233 S Wacker (Willis Tower), Group will gather for their event “Helicopter Equipment Lift” ***
Notes/Analysis
* = Exercise is expected to involve an active-shooter scenario and a large police presence; expect road closures in the immediate vicinity
** = Group known for promoting “spontaneous” gatherings at this location; turnout has been small in past
*** = Weather permitting; expect localized street closures on Sunday morning
Event/Protest Best Practices
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
About Titan Security Group
Titan launched in 1994 with a vision for a better way to provide security services to the Midwest. Today, Titan is one of the largest security companies in North America, scheduling approximately 80,000 hours per week, employing more than 2,000 security staff, and has enjoyed over twenty-seven consecutive years of successfully serving our clients across a wide range of industries. Titan delivers results to clients through flexible, customized security solutions, and superior customer service. The Titan approach combines traditional security staffing with electronic security systems to provide integrated, efficient, and customized safety and security solutions from a single source.
Titan Security monitors ongoing special event and protest activity in and near the Chicago Loop, in consultation with our cross-sector safety partners.
Anticipated Special Events/Protests
- Friday, November 18 at 6:00pm: 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park), Group will gather for their event “Annual Millennium Park Tree Lighting”
- Saturday, November 19 at 12:30pm: 600 S Columbus (Hutchison Field) to 100 W Wacker, Group will gather/march for their cause “Global Protest for Iran”
- Saturday, November 19 at 5:30pm: 900 N Michigan to 400 N Michigan, Group will gather/march for their event “Magnificent Mile Lights Festival”
- Saturday, November 19 at 7:00pm: 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park), Group may gather for their event “Teen Trend Meet Up” *
- Thursday, November 24 at 9:00am: 400 S State to 300 N State, Group will gather/march for their event “Thanksgiving Day Parade”
- Friday, November 25 at 11:00am: 1 E Wacker (Wacker/State), Group will gather/march for their cause “Turn Black Friday into Green Friday: Abortion On Demand & Without Apology”
- Friday, November 25 at 11:00am: 150 N Michigan (Chase Bank Branch), Group will gather for their cause ““Protest Chase Bank, the #1 Funder of Climate Change”
- Friday, November 25 at 5:30pm: 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza), Group will gather/ride for their cause “Chicago Critical Mass” monthly bicycle caravan
- Tuesday, November 29 at 4:00pm: 1 E Erie (Chinese Consulate), Group will gather for their cause “Free Uyghurs – Down with Xi Jinping”
Notes/Analysis
* = One of an ongoing series of teen gatherings; uneventful recently, largely weather-dependent attendance
Safety Tips Near/During Protests
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
About Titan Security Group
Titan launched in 1994 with a vision for a better way to provide security services to the Midwest. Today, Titan is one of the largest security companies in North America, scheduling approximately 80,000 hours per week, employing more than 2,000 security staff, and has enjoyed over twenty-seven consecutive years of successfully serving our clients across a wide range of industries. Titan delivers results to clients through flexible, customized security solutions, and superior customer service. The Titan approach combines traditional security staffing with electronic security systems to provide integrated, effi
In cold and/or wet conditions, common dangers include frostbite, slips and falls, as well as vehicle accidents. Taking simple precautions can help us all prevent accidents and injuries. Here’s some winter weather safety tips you can take to stay safe this season.
General Precautions
Keep exposed skin to a minimum when working or transitioning an outside post – exposure or frostbite can occur in just a few minutes. Wear multiple layers to preserve body heat. And remember to drink plenty of water even in the winter months, as rapid dehydration can occur in cold temperatures.
Preventing Slips
Areas that may become slick and require extra caution include stairs, ramps, tile floors, parking lots and metal parts of equipment. Remember, ice is twice as slippery at 30˚F as at 0˚F.
- Have a snow and ice removal program in place, and make proper notifications regarding hazards.
- Place non-skid floor mats and caution signs in slippery, high traffic pedestrian areas.
- Use traction devices that strap onto shoes when conditions require them.
- Use the right shoes. Slip resistant soles are essential. Shoe soles need to have thin cuts, often called sipping, that disperse water and grip the ground.
Driving Safety
Slips can happen when entering and exiting your vehicle, so be cautious. Use a three-point stance when getting in and out of your vehicle. Use a grab-bar or doorframe for stability. Be aware that the vehicle itself can lose traction, causing hazardous skids.
- When roads are slick, slow down, leave extra following distance between yourself and other cars and do not make sudden vehicular movements.
- If you begin to skid, turn the wheel in the direction you want the vehicle to go. Ease your foot off the accelerator, and do not hit the brakes.
- Know the weather conditions you will encounter and plan ahead.
- Inspect your vehicle for proper tires and other winter driving gear.
- Be sure that cold weather gear is on board and ready for use.
- Assume that roads, bridges and exits are icy, and be ready for them.
- Keep lights, windows and mirrors clean. This is especially important in low visibility situations such as darkness, ice or fog.
- If pulling over due to an emergency, increase your visibility to passing traffic. Activate the vehicle’s hazard warning lights, wear your safety vest, set up a warning triangle or flares and assume that oncoming traffic does not see you.
About Titan Security Group
Titan launched in 1994 with a vision for a better way to provide security services to the Midwest. Today, Titan is one of the largest security companies in North America, scheduling approximately 120,000 hours per week, employing more than 3,600 security staff, and has enjoyed over twenty-seven consecutive years of successfully serving our clients across a wide range of industries. Titan delivers results to clients through flexible, customized security solutions, and superior customer service. The Titan approach combines traditional security staffing with electronic security systems to provide integrated, efficient, and customized safety and security solutions from a single source.
Alongside our cross-sector public safety partners, Titan Security is monitoring the following anticipated activities in and around the Chicago Loop.
Demonstrations and Special Events
- Wednesday, November 2 at 9:00am: 121 N LaSalle (City Hall), Group will gather/ride for their cause “Plow the Sidewalks” *
- Thursday, November 3 at 1:00pm, 625 N Michigan (British Consulate), Group will gather for their cause “Saldar Jagtar Singh Johal Rally”
- Saturday, November 5 at 7:00am: 301 S Columbus (Grant Park), Group will gather/run for their event “2022 Hot Chocolate Run” **
- Saturday, November 5 at 8:00am, 659 W Washington (Family Planning Associates), Group will gather for their cause “Rally for Justice”
- Saturday, November 5 at 12:00pm: 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park), Group will gather for their cause “Anonymous Million Mask March Chicago 2022”
- Tuesday, November 8 at 6:00am, Various polling locations, Groups of poll workers and voters will gather for 2022 Midterm Elections ***
- Friday, November 11 at 10:15am: 44 E Wacker (Riverwalk/Vietnam Memorial), Group will gather for their cause “Veterans’ Day Ceremony/Chicago”
- Friday, November 11 at 6:00pm: 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza), Group will gather for their cause “Justice of Adam Toledo”
- Friday, November 11 at 7:00pm, Various locations, Groups(s) will gather/drive for their event “Illinois/Indiana Car Club Meetup” ****
Notes/Analysis
* = City Hall event will be preceded by slow-moving group of bicyclists intentionally blocking traffic along on Halsted and Milwaukee
** = Hot Chocolate Run can attract up to 25,000 participants, depending on weather; expect extensive street closures in area
*** = Agencies including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and New York Police Department (NYPD) have issued alerts regarding possible extremist activities to disrupt voting. Review the “See Something Say Something” message below.
**** = Car club “meet ups” are a strong indicator of car caravans, street activity, and local traffic disruptions; will continue to monitor
Event/Protest Best Practices
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
About Titan Security Group
Titan launched in 1994 with a vision for a better way to provide security services to the Midwest. Today, Titan is one of the largest security companies in North America, scheduling approximately 80,000 hours per week, employing more than 2,000 security staff, and has enjoyed over twenty-seven consecutive years of successfully serving our clients across a wide range of industries. Titan delivers results to clients through flexible, customized security solutions, and superior customer service. The Titan approach combines traditional security staffing with electronic security systems to provide integrated, efficient, and customized safety and security solutions from a single source.
In partnership with other agencies and organizations dedicated to public safety, Titan Security is monitoring the potential impacts of multiple demonstrations and special events in or near the Chicago Loop.
Anticipated Protests and Events
- Wednesday, October 26 at 8:00am: 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza) to 121 N LaSalle (City Hall), Group will gather/ride for their cause “Bike Jam for a Bike Grid” *
- Wednesday, October 26 at 5:30pm: 190 N State (ABC 7), Group will gather for their cause “Hands Off Haiti!”
- Friday, October 28 at 11:00am: 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza), Group will gather for their cause “Assyrian Protest in Chicago”
- Friday, October 28 at 5:30pm: 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza), Group will gather/ride for their cause “Chicago Critical Mass”
- Saturday, October 29 at 2:00pm: 301 S Columbus (Buckingham Fountain), Group will gather for their cause “Freedom for Iran – Global Human Chain in Support of Iranian People”
- Saturday, October 29 at 6:00pm: 300 N State to 300 S State, Group will gather/march for their event “Arts in the Dark Parade”
Notes/Analysis
* = Event will include “feeder” rides along Halsted and Milwaukee; group of bicyclists known to intentionally ride slowly in traffic lanes during rush hour
Safety Tips Near/During Protests
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
About Titan Security Group
Titan launched in 1994 with a vision for a better way to provide security services to the Midwest. Today, Titan is one of the largest security companies in North America, scheduling approximately 80,000 hours per week, employing more than 2,000 security staff, and has enjoyed over twenty-seven consecutive years of successfully serving our clients across a wide range of industries. Titan delivers results to clients through flexible, customized security solutions, and superior customer service. The Titan approach combines traditional security staffing with electronic security systems to provide integrated, efficient, and customized safety and security solutions from a single source.