The forecast is calling for more
snow! Snow can be great for recreational
activities such as skiing (downhill and cross country), snow shoeing, sledding
and more. However, it can cause much
frustration with walking, clean up and travel.
snow! Snow can be great for recreational
activities such as skiing (downhill and cross country), snow shoeing, sledding
and more. However, it can cause much
frustration with walking, clean up and travel.
Here are some tips for safe snow clean up.
Shoveling
Warm up
before shoveling. Shoveling can be a strenuous
activity and just like an athletic event, you should properly warm up. A simple warm up would be to
walk around the house for a couple of minutes before heading outside. Once you are outside, start by cleaning off
your car to help warm up the arms and shoulders.
before shoveling. Shoveling can be a strenuous
activity and just like an athletic event, you should properly warm up. A simple warm up would be to
walk around the house for a couple of minutes before heading outside. Once you are outside, start by cleaning off
your car to help warm up the arms and shoulders.
When
possible try and shovel multiple times during a snow storm. Shoveling 2 inches of snow at a time will be
less strenuous than letting the snow build up and doing it all at the end.
possible try and shovel multiple times during a snow storm. Shoveling 2 inches of snow at a time will be
less strenuous than letting the snow build up and doing it all at the end.
Push the
snow as you shovel. This will be easier on your back. If you do have to lift the snow, bend with your knees, use your legs and do not fill
the shovel completely!
snow as you shovel. This will be easier on your back. If you do have to lift the snow, bend with your knees, use your legs and do not fill
the shovel completely!
Take it
slow! Take frequent breaks; do not work to the point of exhaustion. If you feel tightness in your chest while
shoveling, stop immediately.
slow! Take frequent breaks; do not work to the point of exhaustion. If you feel tightness in your chest while
shoveling, stop immediately.
Dress
warmly and pay close attention to extremities. These are the first areas to develop frost
bite (hands and feet, nose and ears).
warmly and pay close attention to extremities. These are the first areas to develop frost
bite (hands and feet, nose and ears).
Clearing your car
Use a
brush/ice scraper to remove snow and ice from windshield, side and rear
windows, side mirrors, and head lights/tail lights.
brush/ice scraper to remove snow and ice from windshield, side and rear
windows, side mirrors, and head lights/tail lights.
Make sure
your tailpipe is clear of snow before starting your vehicle.
your tailpipe is clear of snow before starting your vehicle.
Also make
sure to clear the snow from the roof of your car. Sliding snow can be dangerous for yourself
and other drivers. If you have a taller vehicle such as an SUV or a truck, grab
a step stool or invest in a long handle brush.
sure to clear the snow from the roof of your car. Sliding snow can be dangerous for yourself
and other drivers. If you have a taller vehicle such as an SUV or a truck, grab
a step stool or invest in a long handle brush.
Don’t
force the wipers; you may damage the motor.
If your wipers are stuck to the windshield try pouring some windshield
washer/deicer fluid on them. Do not use
hot water to remove ice from your windshield as this could cause your windshield
to shatter.
force the wipers; you may damage the motor.
If your wipers are stuck to the windshield try pouring some windshield
washer/deicer fluid on them. Do not use
hot water to remove ice from your windshield as this could cause your windshield
to shatter.
Blog post by
Eric Chandler CSCS.
Eric Chandler CSCS.
