COLUMBIANA, Ohio - Cars and trucks aren't the only things sliding around in today's icy rain.

Columbiana Police Chief Tim Gladis reports that dispatchers have been getting ambulance calls about people slipping and falling in parking lots and sidewalks.

Gladis says while main streets are pretty good, secondary streets can be icy if not well traveled.

He posted the following message on the Police department's Facebook page:

“When driving, travel slowly. To help remind you, pretend you are driving your grandmother to church and she has a full pot of hot gravy on her lap.”

As for walking on ice, the Allegheny College Safety Committee offers the following tips:

Cars and trucks aren't the only things sliding around in today's icy rain.

Columbiana Police Chief Tim Gladis reports that dispatchers have been getting ambulance calls about people slipping and falling in parking lots and sidewalks.

Gladis says while main streets are pretty good, secondary streets can be icy if not well traveled.

He posted the following message on the Police department's Facebook page:

When these helpful hints don’t work, and you know you are going to slip, try to reduce your potential injury when falling.

Roll with the fall. Try to twist and roll backward, rather than falling forward.

Relax as much as possible when you begin to fall.

Toss the load you are carrying. Protect yourself instead of the objects being carried.

If the sidewalks and walkways are impassable and you have to walk in the street, walk against traffic and as close to the curb as you can.

Proper gear is a must, but wearing dark “winter” colors can make it hard for motorists to see you, especially if they aren’t expecting you. Consider wearing a brightly-colored scarf or hat, or reflective gear, especially if you have to walk in the street. And don’t forget gloves and shoes or boots with non-slip soles.

Snow that has accumulated into drifts can muffle the sounds of approaching motor vehicles. Wearing hats and scarves that cover your ears can also distort or even eliminate these sounds. Keep warm, but make sure you can hear what’s going on around you.

If you can, shop before the storm hits! If you have to shop, don’t buy more than you can easily carry. Remember – the streets may be slippery and carrying heavy packages can impair your balance.

When traveling with babies or small children, make sure they are dressed in brightly colored or reflective clothing. If you have to push a stroller or walk in the street, the child should be in front of you and as close to the curb as possible.

Because of road conditions, motorists may not be able to stop at traffic signals or slow down for pedestrians. Before you step off of the curb into the street, make sure that any approaching vehicles have come to a complete stop.

Bending your knees a little and taking slower steps can greatly reduce your chances of falling.