Tips For Removing Snow Safely
With blizzard warnings promising to drop a foot or more of snow, we have some suggestions for removing it safely.
We are very blessed to have a landlord who plows our very long driveway. But if you'll be pulling out the shovel or the snowblower, here are a few quick safety tips!
- Follow the start-up procedures in your snowblower manual.
- Do NOT put your fingers down the chute to clear a jam.
- Shut off the engine before refueling.
- If close to the roadway, make sure you are visible to traffic.
- Dress in layers and wear a hat to prevent hypothermia.
- If shoveling, take frequent breaks and don't over-exert yourself.
- If large amounts of snow are predicted, shovel every couple of hours, so you're shoveling a few inches at a time instead of a foot!
- Call 9-1-1 if you experience signs of a heart attack, including uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest that goes away and comes back or lasts for more than a few minutes; pain in the shoulders, neck and arms; and chest discomfort accompanied by nausea, shortness of breath, sweating, feeling light-headed and fainting.
- Keep a charged cellphone with you at all times in case you get in trouble and need to call for help.
When clearing snow from a roof:
- Make sure the ladder is secure
- Don't over-reach the ladder
- Use a snow rake if possible without going up onto the roof
- If a flat roof, stay at least 6 feet from the edge
- Be careful not to step on a skylight
Have a safe start to the week, everyone!