Buzz
Waking up to a snow-covered driveway can be daunting. While shoveling may seem simple, there's an art to it. Selecting the right tools, minimizing injury risks, and employing proper techniques are key to effective snow removal.
Key Steps
Choosing the Right Gear
Opt for suitable boots. Ensure your boots provide warmth, dryness, and excellent traction to prevent slips and injuries. Pair them with wool socks for added warmth and comfort.
Opt for an Ergonomic Snow Shovel Choose a shovel with a bent handle to maintain a straighter back posture while shoveling, reducing the risk of back strain.
Use a Shovel with Non-Stick Surface Opt for a shovel with a non-stick surface to make shoveling easier. Applying a silicon lubricant or coating the blade with shortening can help prevent snow from sticking.
Minimizing Injury Risks
Assess Health Risks If you're not physically fit or have health issues, shoveling snow can be hazardous. Consider alternatives like hiring help or using a snow blower.
Dress Appropriately Dress in layers to stay warm without overheating. Remove layers as you warm up to prevent sweating. Wear gloves, hats, and thermal underwear to stay comfortable and retain body heat.
Warm Up Your Muscles Stretching before shoveling reduces the risk of injury. Focus on stretching your arms, legs, and back.
Apply Sand or Salt for Traction Prior to shoveling, spread sand or salt on slippery areas to prevent accidents. Be cautious of uneven surfaces.
Maintain Proper Posture Keep your spine naturally curved and maintain good posture throughout shoveling. Avoid bending at the waist and keep your back straight.
Lift with Care Bend at the knees and keep the shovel close to your body when lifting snow. Use your legs and shoulders to lift, and scoop small amounts of snow at a time.
Choose a Safe Snow Dumping Spot Avoid twisting your body when dumping snow. Face the snow pile directly and move your feet rather than twisting. Dump snow close by and in front of you to minimize strain.
Clear Deep Snow in Stages Remove deep snow gradually, resting between each stage to reduce strain and risk of injury.
Take Breaks and Stay Hydrated Pace yourself while shoveling and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Stretch during breaks to keep muscles loose.
Listen to Your Body Stop immediately if you experience any pain and seek medical assistance. Pain could indicate a serious condition like a heart attack or back injury.
Enjoy a Warm Drink Treat yourself to a cup of hot chocolate or tea to replenish fluids after shoveling.
Stretch Again After Shoveling Stretch after shoveling to prevent muscle tightness and take a hot shower to relax your muscles.
Effective Snow Removal
Begin Early Start clearing snow soon after it falls to prevent it from compacting and turning into ice. Wait for the snowplow to pass before finishing your driveway to avoid extra work.
Plan Efficiently Consider the most efficient way to remove snow and avoid piling it where it needs to be cleared again. Work from the center out when clearing a rectangle to minimize extra effort.
Clear Cars First Brush snow off cars before clearing around them to make the process easier.
Push Instead of Lifting Pushing snow is often easier and safer than lifting it. Clear snow by pushing it off driveways and sidewalks, especially when it's not too deep.
Position Your Hands Correctly Place your hands apart on the shovel handle, with one hand near the blade, for better leverage.
Start Shoveling Use a steady motion for digging and hold the shovel at a slight angle for pushing. Keep shovel passes below waist height.
Clear Around Your Mailbox Ensure your mailbox is accessible for your mail carrier by clearing around it after snowfall.
Use Salt and Sand Wisely Use salt sparingly to avoid damaging your lawn and paved areas. Sand provides traction but may become ineffective if covered by more snow.
Tips
- Maintain Your ShovelShovels endure wear and tear; for plastic shovels, remove burrs with a knife, and for metal ones, flatten bent edges with a hammer.
- Assist NeighborsHelp elderly or handicapped neighbors clear their paths.
- Teamwork Is KeyEnlist as much help as possible to make the task easier.
Warnings
- Protect Your BackIf the load is too heavy, avoid lifting alone; consider hiring assistance or using a snow blower.
- Avoid StimulantsRefrain from consuming caffeine, food, or smoking before shoveling.
- Prevent OverexertionPace yourself to prevent exhaustion or potential heart issues.
- Don't DelayPromptly clear snow to prevent compaction and ice formation.
Things You'll Need
- Snow Shovel
- Warm Clothing
- Snow Boots
