When the snow gets deep, you may think you’ll get to it later. But shoveling snow early helps keep your family safe, your neighbors safe, and your home safe. By getting ahead of storms, you’ll put less people at risk, you can safely carry on with your daily life, and prove you care about your community.

How Does Snow Removal Prevent Accidents?

You can lower the chance of injuries and property damage by removing the snow to prevent injury on every slide and jump. While you clean snow off surfaces, it becomes firmer and compacted; if you wait too long, a slippery layer will form. An optimal snow removal process also means better visibility to drivers, and creates walkways for deliveries, mail and emergency services. 

Even if the snow emergency is lifted, an area that is cleared allows you to pick up groceries, walk to your dog, and escort kids to the bus stop without fear. Snow removal on edge of roofs and decks also causes the snow to get too heavy on loads you didn’t anticipate and become the source of roof leaks. Follow this page to know more.

Slip-and-Fall Dangers Explained

Ice can be a threat that sneaks up on you. Ice is generally formed from temperature changes, where energy causes the packed snow to melt during the daytime and refreezes at night. This thin, slippery, glassy looking worm—often referred to as black ice—turns steps and sidewalks into dangerous spots. In order to protect yourself, you will have to treat these surfaces and modify your behavior consistently with each snow event.

• Pay attention to entrances, steps and sloped areas first, where you are most likely to fall.
• Have a bucket of traction available and apply a de-icing product after you complete the shoveling process, to assist in breaking the bond between ice and pavement.
• Monitor roof melt run-off that drips onto walkways, refreezes, and can be redirected or treated daily, too
• For older family members or guests, think about a handrail or temporary walkway mats for the coldest weeks of the season.

Clearing Sidewalks vs Driveways

Both types of snow clearing are important yet serve different purposes. Sidewalks are for pedestrian traffic safety and to comply with local laws or an HOA. Driveways have traction requirements for your vehicle and support convenience– no spinning tires or fishtailing while approaching the curb. Many homeowners will take a hybrid approach and do a DIY clear after a heavy snow event as well as get a plowing service to do the majority of the clearing and then do a casing afterward.

If you live in a city that regularly sees lake-effect or deep drifting (for example, the Minneapolis snow removal), you should be focused on staying on a schedule. If snow is falling, consider clearing it in layers rather than at the end of a particular event. Building this type of habit helps with smart property maintenance and prevents compaction and freezing which is bad for your body and pavement. Consider using reflective stakes to mark the driveway edges to keep plowing and blowing equipment from tearing up lawn borders and garden beds.

Safe Snow Shoveling Tips

The technique you choose to use is as valuable as the shovel you select. Shovel for shorter periods, wear layers of clothing, and warm-up your muscles before you begin. Dehydration is as real in winter as in summer, and breaks help prevent exhaustion or strain. Click here for more helpful tips.

• Forget lifting snow and instead push the snow back when you can; lift snow with small amounts from your shovel and be sure to bend your knees.
• Choose a shovel that is lightweight and ergonomic, switch hands when moving large areas of snow to compensate the workload on your back.
• Break every 15–20 minutes; be sure to listen or pay attention to your body, especially if you suffer from heart or back issues.
• If you have treated and cleared an area, treat it right away and application still covers the top of snow.
• Air out gas equipment outside and never run gas equipment inside unventilated areas.
• After the storm, check shrubs and lawn edges; if the chance of damage, gentle winter care of the lawn, by brushing off bent-up branches, can stop problems.

Winter Safety for Families

Do not do ‘safety’ as a task done once a year – turn it into a habit. Make a plan about who is shoveling, who is treating the steps, and check-in on your older neighbors. Keep a supply of ice melt, gloves, and flashlights where you can access them quickly. And keep kids away from the end of the driveway while waiting for plows. With clear paths and routines, you can navigate winter for the weeks ahead, and feel good knowing your home is safer, more welcoming, and ready for the next bout of snow.