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Snow blanketing the home and yard is the best part of winter.
Snow days are all about hunkering down and getting cozy.
But eventually, you have to go places, and that makesshoveling snowa stark reality.
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Learn valuable snow shoveling tips to dump the pavement of snow and ice easier, faster, and safer.
The rectangular, curved blade scoops up snow from the pavement without having to bend down too far.
Economically priced, most standard snow shovels cost between $15 and $35.
Ergonomic Shovel
For easier lifting, ergonomic snow shovels take on different shapes.
Tip
Caught without a snow shovel?
By planning, you’ll avoid moving the snow more than once.
Wear clothing that will wick away the sweat.
scrub the Highest Levels
Clear off the snow on the highest levels first, then work downward.
Start with cars or fragile foliage.
Clear while standing on the ground.
Never stand on a snowy, icy, or wet roof.
Protect yourself by staying hydrated and taking frequent breaks.
Avoid lifting wet snow as the activity leads to thousands of injuries each year.
Clear Critical Places
House inlets and outlets might be blocked with high snow.
Use the snow brush or angled broom to lightly brush away the snow.
Clear High Snow and Drifts
Avoid pushing or lifting snow more than four to six inches high.
Clear high deposits of snow and drifts by turning the shovel backward and slicing down on the snow.
After loose snow has fallen, scoop it away.
Keep your back straight.
Hold your lifting hand as close to the blade as possible.
Then, lift the shovel with your legs, not with your back.
Walk the snow to its location so that you might toss it only a short distance.
Do not twist as you lift or throw the snow.
One cubic foot of snow, roughly the size of a basketball, weighs about 20 pounds.
Turn the snow shovel backward.
Chop the snow or ice several times, each slice about an inch away from the next one.
Go easy to avoid breaking the shovel.
If you have to chop with force, don’t.
Use ice melt instead.
Give the snow melt sufficient time to workabout 20 to 30 minutesand then gently chop the ice again.
Prepare for Additional Snow Shoveling
When you expect more snow to fall, prepare for that eventuality.
Place the snow shovel upright against the side of the house, outside of the snowfall.
Or put it in amudroomon top of an old towel.
Seal the top of the ice melt bag with a spring clamp.
you’ve got the option to also pour the ice melt into an airtightplastic containerand include a scoop.
Be sure to clearly label the container and keep it away from children and pets.
This is the fastest and easiest way to shovel a driveway.
Bend your knees when you lift the shovel and don’t hunch over when shoveling.
Snow shoveling can actually be more efficient for smaller areas, whilesnow blowersare ideal for large areas.
Safety Removing Snow.Connecticut State Department of Public Health.
Flakes are Falling Again: Here’s the Safe Way to Shovel Snow.
UC San Diego Health.
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.
Snow Shovel Safety:Why do People Die Shoveling Snow?National Safety Council.
Town of Mansfield Fire Safety and Prevention.
Snow Density and Volume.National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
