Whether you’re cleaning up after a big winter storm or a light dusting, snow removal should not be taken lightly. You can easily overdo it, which can lead to injuries and more work.

We’ve put together a list of 5 snow removal tips you should keep in mind this winter.

Shoveling

First on our list of snow removal tips is shoveling. Seems simple enough, right? It may be, but the number of snow shoveling-related injuries is in the tens of thousands. Remember to lift with your legs and not your back. This will prevent back injuries.

You should also approach shoveling in stages rather than all at once, especially after a big snow. Your first shift should be about halfway through the predicted period of snowfall and the second should be after it has stopped falling. This will increase your efficiency and prevent unnecessary trips outside.

Using a Snow Blower

Tired of shoveling? Investing in a snow blower is one solution. The trick to using one is to find the optimal speed for snow blowing. If you go too fast, you run the risk of not clearing as much snow as possible, but if you move too slowly you won’t get enough arc on the blowing snow and it won’t project as far. Try to find a speed in between the two for the best, most productive experience possible.

Salting

One way to prevent excessive and hidden ice is to use salt. This will also help control your snow melt. If you don’t have rock salt or ice melt, you can use regular table salt for the time being. Controlling the amount of ice present on your surfaces will help prevent slips, falls and injuries.

Invest in a Car Cover

If scraping and clearing your car off is the bane of your existence, then you should take this tip seriously. Parking outside in the winter can lead to hours of time spent clearing off your car. Investing in a car cover is a great way to cut down on the clearing time and keep the snow and ice off your car.

Blow it Away

The last on our list of snow removal tips may seem silly, but can actually be very effective. If you don’t own a snow blower, you can use your leaf blower to blow light snow off your driveway or car. While this won’t work for heavy, wet snow, it will work perfectly well for the lighter variety.

Keep the 5 snow removal tips above in mind this winter and you’ll not only be more efficient, but also prevent injuries and unnecessary trips to the emergency room.

January 06, 2017 — Marketing Dept