Introduction

Maintaining safe and accessible roads and sidewalks during winter is essential for public safety, economic activity, and community well-being. However, achieving this goal often involves trade-offs between safety, cost, and environmental impact.

This quick, practical guide has been developed specifically for homeowners like you to help you keep your sidewalks, steps, driveways, and other surfaces safe and clear, while using salt wisely and economically. 

The basic guide should take about 30 minutes to complete, but you'll see additional resources throughout for expanded learning—and for sharing with family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues.

Navigate the sections by clicking the text by the arrow buttons near the bottom of each page or use the buttons to jump to specific topics—you'll find optional Knowledge Checks along the way. When you complete the guide for homeowners, take a short quiz to test your salt smarts. Ace the quiz to earn a Smart Winter Salt certificate!