Shoveling snow is one of my least favorite things to do as a home owner. It’s cold outside and winter weather can be dangerous. Thousands of people slip and fall in the snow and thousands more suffer with chest pain and heart attacks. When it comes to shoveling and removing snow here’s a few important things to remember.
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1. Shovel Frequently – If you’re expecting more than 3″ you want to go out and shovel frequently to prevent it from piling up. The more it piles up, the heavier it gets when it comes to removing it.
2. Dress in Layers – It’s cold outside so dress in layers. You need to keep your skin protected so make sure it covered from the cold. Wear a hat, scarf, winter gloves, boots, a heavy coat and don’t forget to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses during the daytime.
3. Frequent Breaks – Don’t try to get it all done quickly. Take frequent breaks to warm-up, rehydrate and to just rest your body for a few minutes every hour. The older you are and the more “un-fit” you are, the more breaks you’ll need.
4. Invest in the Proper Tools – Depending on the size of your property…invest in the proper snow removal tools. Examples – Snow shovels, ice scrapers, snow blowers, snow throwers, a snow removing broom, etc. When it comes to snow shovels…invest in a good orthopedic correct shovel that is easier on your hands and back.
5. Ask for Help – Don’t be afraid to ask others for help! A lot of family and friends will come to help if you just ask them! Plus, look for teenagers in your community who are looking to earn extra money. A lot of times you can pay them a few dollars to come remove the snow for you.