How to Dig Out a Snowy Sidewalk

Be efficient and move snow once in a single, smooth motion.

In most suburban areas, the sidewalk that runs in front of your house belongs to the city. Local codes may require property owners to clear snow and ice from any sidewalks on or adjoining the property. Unless you have a snow blower, you'll have to shovel the snow by hand. Get rid of any natural accumulations of ice and snow as soon as you can to prevent slips and falls. Avoid injuring yourself in the process by using an efficient, repetitive motion that won't strain your back or shoulders.

Things You'll Need

• Snow shovel
• Ice melt with calcium magnesium acetate

Instructions

1. Begin at the end of the sidewalk closest to you. Avoid stepping excessively on newly fallen snow to avoid packing it down under your feet, making it more difficult to scoop.

2. Grasp a snow shovel firmly by the handle, and bend your knees. Hold your arms as close to your torso as possible. Place the tip of the snow shovel on the ground and push it forward.

3. Straighten up your knees as you scoop up snow. Don't lift with your back muscles. Use only your arms to move the snow shovel in a quick toss to one side, sending the snow onto a lawn or park strip. Repeat along the width of the sidewalk until you have a 2- or 3-foot section cleared in front of you.

4. Work your way down the sidewalk in a rhythmic motion, using as little back movement as possible. Keep your movements economical, drawing the lifting power from your legs rather than your back and shoulders. Stretch your muscles by swinging your arms a bit when you reach the end of your property.

5. Shovel up any snowy areas you might have missed the first time.

6. Scatter ice melt on the sidewalk in even amounts to prevent melting snow from turning to ice.

Tips & Warnings

• Ice melt with calcium magnesium acetate won't stain or corrode concrete.

• Stretch your muscles before going outside to reduce your risk of injury.

• Try to dig out a snowy sidewalk within four hours from the end of the storm. The longer you wait, the more dense and heavy the snow will become.

• It's possible to injure the muscles in your back, legs or shoulders while shoveling snow.

• Wear warm boots with plenty of traction to avoid slipping on snowy sidewalks.

References

• New York Times: Shoveling Snow from Sidewalks
• Popular Mechanics: 16 Cardinal Rules for Snow Shoveling
• CleanLink: Ice Melt Dos and Don'ts