We used to use sand and a small amount of salt. But the best solution was to move to SoCal. Not for everyone, and not a simple solution. LOL

A flame thrower. Well im not sure how well it work, but i always wanted to try it. I did by some "safe" de icer but not sure how safe it is. I painted my steps with sealer this fall, so hoping it will help

Roy Kelley Don't use rock salt. I learned from experience. My driveway is paying for it. The only thing rock salt is good for is making home made ice cream.

I know Scott Godzyk was kidding but flame throwers are commonly sold here for just that purpose. They are attachments for 5lb or less propane tanks.

Roy, if you absolutely have to use a chemical applicant go with a product that is CALCIUM Chloride.  It is a lot easier on masonary products, plants, and concrete.

I use a construction light and have the heat melt the ice and dry up the water, and then I move it to the next part of the steps.  You have to be at home for this to work and change it every 10-15 minutes but it is much easier on the steps and cheaper than a lawsuit.  I also set out some cones to let people know for the moment that they need to be careful.

I am so glad to have no clue about this! 3:)
Ask me how to get into a leather car seat in 125 degree weather in shorts and avoid injury. LOL!

We moved to Arizona! 

Moving to Florida would solve that problem.  

I like Scott Godzyk's idea of a flamethrower!

I have ZERO experience with this yet I trust Bruce Walter does and would go with his recommendation in a heartbeat. 

I use a mixture of warm water & rubbing alcohol.  https://www.reference.com/science/rubbing-alcohol-melt-ice-f742e8ab6a6611e1

I just use a product called " Barn Grip" that I buy at Southern States. It doesn't melt ice, but it provides anti slip grip. Also great to keep in trunk of car. Just sweeps away after ice melts.

The best way is to move to a warmer climate to avoid the cold

No! No! Roy Kelley , not SoCal as Jeff Dowler pointed out to you. Try Sarasota; it was 80F here yesterday and in the 50's in Encinitas, CA per Sandy

Move those stairs to Florida.

I have no idea, Roy, as we don't often get ice here in Charlotte... and when there is, I just wait for it to melt.

Cat litter.

Non-clumping kitty litter.

   When we live in North Carolina, we used hot water to de-ice the steps and the sidewalk.

Put in an awning.

I saw a neighbor use hot salt water on both his steps and the windshield of his car this morning; not me!!!

I'd use sand..but what do I know I live in Central Texas!

not rock salt.... but there are melting agents sold at many discount stores that have no rock salt in it...

The sun or other heat and non-freezing weather.

That is a good question worth asking. I'm reading.

Salt is the culprit and will break down mortar and cement. I would use sand.

I'm watching for answers.  We're one of the frigid zones now too.

A combination of salt and sand allows melting while providing a grip!

We use salt here but, ice is so rare for us, I'm sure it doesn't damage the mortar.  Stay safe in MD, Roy Kelley!

And I woke up again this morning and said to myself --- here's something else that's pretty nice about living in Southern California....

That's a good question, and unfortunately one I can't answer. 

Fire I would have to say, stay away from salt.

Years ago we bought outdoor heated mats from Costco and they work great. You can buy them at Home Depot also. Just google "heated outdoor mats" and you'll find them. 

Be careful Roy, don't worry about the mortar, it is more replaceable than a person.

Roy Kelley - a spray, perhaps?

I am thinking of some kind of hear.  but, I would cover the steps with a rug when it snows so I would not have that iissue.

salt has always aided those who resist ice and snow that's all I know

Sand

I guess the  consensus is sand? Stay safe and indoor. Enjoy a nice hot cup of tea.

I like to keep sand inside and throw it out on the ice. Always the option of getting a heat gun to melt and dry the affected area. When I was growing up there was a neighbor with a heated driveway, I was alwasy pretty envious of their clear drive when I drove by their house.

Probably kitty litter...and use the garage in the meantime.

Cat Litter......

......providing the roaming cat population is minimal.

When I was upstate NY, water and a broom worked well.

OR

Use the following sign at the first indication of a problem.

Roy Kelley upon further thought, consider the devices used to keep gutters deiced and prevents of ice daming.

I always thought it was kosher salt - that'w what we used to use when I lived in Jersey

One with a chloride in it; I use a calcium chloride.