How will you remove snow safely this winter? Once again, New York City is scheduled to get some snowstorms this weekend for the New Year. It’s something us New Yorkers are used to with the kinds of winters we get around these parts but they still require some preparation on our part. Many people are unaware that removing snow can become a dangerous task and should be done with some caution.
Unfortunately, we learned this lesson the hard way when the father of an old friend of ours suffered a heart attack while shoveling snow in front of their home. He subsequently died as a result and it was sobering to think that something like snow removal could prove to be such a perilous activity.
Studies show that shoveling snow can increase a person’s risk of having a heart attack. Additionally, there are other injuries that can arise from clearing snow including pulled muscles, broken bones, and hypothermia. There are some precautions that one can take to decrease these risks:
- Stretch Properly: If you are not used to doing exercise on a daily basis, you should definitely take a few minutes to stretch before you begin shoveling.
- Wear Proper Clothing: Wearing layers of clothing can help you to stay warm and decrease your risk of getting frostbite or catching a cold.
- Proper Boots Are A Must: It is necessary to have just the right footwear when you are shoveling. This will decrease your risk of slipping on ice or getting your feet and socks wet.
- Drink Plenty Of Fluids: Make sure that you stay hydrated while you are shoveling so that you don’t get dehydrated from doing so much exercise.
- Pay Attention: Sometimes, cars slide off the icy streets and collide with sidewalks or pedestrians. Be aware of what is happening around you to avoid a dangerous accident.
By following some of these tips, you will take the necessary steps to be more cautious when you are removing snow either from the front of your home or off your car. At the end of the day, the most important thing is making sure that you are healthy and safe. The snow will eventually melt…
Let’s Discuss: What are some of the precautions that you will take to decrease the chance of injury when you remove snow safely this winter?
© 2017, Tough Cookie Mommy. All rights reserved.
I will have to share this with my husband. We are expecting snow soon and we never really know how to clear things properly.
Removing snow is one of the most dreadful chores of the winter season. I never realized how stretching before any vigorous shovelling could be vital but it totally makes sense!
I love the snow but as with everything one must be careful. My husband and I are getting up there and it’s important to stretch, pay attention and dress properly for any physical activity.
I love the snow but the cleanup does take a lot of work. I like a little dusting but when we get more than 3 inches it need s to be shoveleed or blown away, We will use these tips.
I am so not ready for this – keep the snow up north and leave Delaware alone Mother Nature please!
These are some great tips! We currently have snow on the ground outside and I’m so thankful for my boots – even just walking to the car can be a dangerous task! So sorry to hear about your friend’s father. Snow and ice can definitely be a scary thing.
Sometimes I think it is better to pay someone to do your snow removal. But if you have to do it yourself, you do have to be careful. Stretching is a great idea and is making sure you are healthy enough to lift all that heavy snow.
What a great post, its so important to be safe while removing snow. I always yell at my dad that he is not dressed appropriately!
Does having my husband shovel count? LOL. Those are all great reminders, when I worked for the ambulance company we saw a lot of people that hurt themselves shoveling.
This is so much snow, I’m in Texas and we never get snow. That was until we did but even then, it wasn’t this much. I can’t imagine how much work it takes to clean up snow properly.
Moving snow is not one of the joys of winter or the festive season. I will now be getting everyone to stretch before and after shoveling snow, and will be checking to keep everyone hydrated.
Thank-you for the timely advice.
I’ve almost gotten frostbite before. These tips are most important and people need to be made aware.
Removing snow can be dangerous! I think it’s important to be aware of what can be under deep snow. I’ve stepped and twisted my ankle before while shoveling.
We have an association that does our snow removal for us. So I have not had to shovel at all in my adult life. If we ever moved we will have to be careful!
Since buying a house we’ve had to clear the snow off the driveway each time, it would snow! It’s usually my SO and son that takes care of that, but I’ve had to do it a few times. Let me tell ya; it was NOT fun! Lol, I avoid doing it when the snow is too wet because it makes it hard to shovel. It’s important to stretch! A few times I didn’t stretch, and the next day I was SO sore! I think next year I’m buying a snow removal machine for my SO.
We live in Arizona and don’t ever have to deal with the snow. My husband grew up with snow and I know it adds so much grief to the winter season. It’s beautiful to see but so challenging when you live with it!