Winter is here, and there are already mounds of snow in driveways across Northern Michigan to prove it.
If you’re headed outside to shovel or use your snowblower, here are a few tips to keep you safe.
Stay warm and covered up
Wind chill can make it colder than the recorded temperature. You’ll want to wear gloves or mittens to protect your hands.
According to the National Weather Service, frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes. Insulated non-slip boots are also a must.
Shoveling and snow blowing strains your body and heart
Try to get started before there’s too much snow on the ground. Take breaks and stop if you feel tired or unwell.
Shovel smaller amounts instead of large shovelfuls. A full wet shovel load can weigh up to 25 pounds. Push or sweep the snow instead of lifting and throwing it.
Consult your doctor if you’re at risk
If you have a medical condition, are middle aged or older, or have a family history of heart disease, consult a doctor before shoveling.
Remove snow from more than just the ground
Make sure to shovel off the top of your car. Snow can fall down onto your windshield or blow back onto cars behind you, obstructing views and increasing the chance of a crash.
Lastly, think of others
Even if you don’t need to leave the house, it’s important to remember others who walk to work on your sidewalk and the postal workers and delivery drivers who use your driveway.
If you have a neighbor or family member who’s elderly or at risk, help remove their snow our hire someone to plow.