Efficient Snow Removal – Pickering Winter Weather Safety Tips
Whether you love it or hate it, snow is a fact of life in Ontario. Keeping your sidewalks and drive snow free may be the most important home safety chores there is. If you are going to clear snow by yourself, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Remember, if you don’t want to do your own snow removal, Pickering and neighboring communities have maintenance services that will do it for you.
Every year, thousands of Canadians make unplanned doctor visits due to home snow clearing injuries. Strained backs, broken bones and heart problems are at the top of the list. With the right precautions, most of these can be avoided.
Use the Right Shovel
Something as simple as choosing the right shovel can make a big difference in avoiding lower back injuries. While ergonomic snow shovels with bent handles are intended to make the work easier, sometimes it’s tricky to get the right angle. Test it in the store as if you were trying to scoop snow, and make sure it feels right. Rigid blades work much better and last longer than flexible plastic scoops.
When you are actually using your shovel, be sure to bend you knees with each lift. Don’t scoop too much snow at one time. Holding the handle closer to the scoop makes the load a little lighter. Pace yourself; the snow will still be there if you need to rest for a few minutes!
Snow Blower Safety
While snow blowers can make walk and drive clearing easier, they have their own set of hazards. Keep your winter scarf and all other loose clothing away from moving parts. Wear ear protectors and be considerate of your neighbors when it’s early in the day or late at night. Be sure the engine is completely off before clearing clogs or touching anywhere near moving parts.
Dress Appropriately
Dress in layers when working outside in cold weather. Wear a hat and gloves or mittens. If you get too hot or cold, take a break; go inside to recover. It’s also very important to wear skid resistant shoes or boots. Falling is an all too common winter related injury.
Choose the Right Ice Melter
There are many varieties of deicers on the market. Be sure to select one that matches both the weather and the conditions at your house. If you have a lot of shady areas, choose a product that will help with traction. For extended periods of frigid weather, choose one of the newer deicers that work well at temperatures far below freezing. There are also pet friendly deicers that are safer to use if your pets – or your neighbor’s – are going to be outside.
If this all sounds like too much work, you have other options. In addition, many senior citizens and those with health issues should let others do landscape and winter maintenance for them. There are several Pickering landscaping and snow removal companies that can help with your home yard and landscape needs. Take advantage of them, and stay safe this winter.
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