Safety Tips for Ice & Snow Removal

Stretching Warm-ups

• Before you step a foot outside, stretch out your muscles. Stretching your muscles can help you avoid muscle cramps by getting the blood flowing. March in place for a few minutes to get your heart pumping. This aerobic exercise will increase the blood circulation throughout your body. You'll be more alert and agile. Stretch out the major muscles that you'll be using to remove the ice and snow. Stretch your leg, arm, stomach, shoulder and back muscles.

Appropriate Dress

• Wear clothing suited for the outdoor weather conditions. Avoid going outside if the temperatures are below zero degrees. If the wind is blowing, a windchill could send that temperature plummeting. Frostbite may occur on skin exposed to the elements. Wear clothing specifically designed to keep you warm and dry. Snow boots with traction designed for walking on snow and ice will help keep you on your feet, while snow gloves will protect your fingers from cold. Wear a pair of sunglasses to help you see better in blinding, white snow. Layer your clothing to increase insulation and wear a jacket with a hood.

Hydration

• Drink plenty of water before heading outside. Avoid smoking and caffeinated drinks, because tobacco constricts blood vessels and caffeine increases heart rate. The caffeine also constricts blood vessels. Snow and ice removal is a lot harder when what's happening inside your body works against you. You may not feel like drinking water during cold weather, but moisture in the air is less when temperatures remain below freezing. Fill a thermos with water and bring it outside with you.

Walking on Ice and Snow

• Hold onto handrails when going down or up staircases. Black ice can be difficult to see, but it can form on decks, patios, driveways and stairs. Widen your stance to help balance your weight on slippery surfaces. If it's just too slippery, apply magnesium chloride to help melt the ice. Do this before attempting to shovel or snow blow the snow. Always follow any ice melting product's application and safety labels before using them. Some can damage surfaces, and kill plants and animals. Scatter some kitty litter to provide better traction on snow and ice.

Snow Removal

• Keep the shovel blade on the ground while pushing snow. Remove snow whenever it accumulates to 2 inches. It's easier to remove 2 inches of snow 10 times than it is to remove 10inches of snow one time. Lift with your legs when shoveling and avoid twisting with your lower back. If you're using a snowblower, keep your hands and feet away from the moving parts at all times, never remove the shields or guards and turn the engine off if the snow blower ever jams. Only clean it out when the engine is off. Always keep a good line of visibility and never leave a running blower unattended.