How to Shovel Snow

Shoveling snow is a fact of life in colder parts of the world. So grab your snow shovel and follow these steps to make sure your driveway and walking areas are safe in any weather.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Waterproof Mittens
• Wool Scarves
• Snow Shovels

1. Make sure you have a good snow shovel. Most snow shovels have open ends that allow you to easily toss the snow off to the side.

2. Consider your physical condition. If you are out of shape you should proceed with caution. Snow is heavy and shoveling is hard work - you don't want to risk a serious injury or jeopardize your health. If you have a heart condition or back problems, you should definitely not shovel snow unless your doctor approves it.

3. Remove the snow from the driveway and any walkways needed to get into and out of the house. Don't forget the areas around the mailbox, garbage cans and other places you'll want access to.

4. Work toward the areas where you are depositing the snow so that you have less distance to toss it as you tire.

5. Chip away any ice that you find under the snow and remove the chunks with the shovel.

6. Spread rock salt over the cleared area to avoid icing.

7. Sand any areas that remain slippery.

Tips & Warnings

• Dress in layers for warmth. You can remove layers as you become warm from the exertion.
• Pay close attention to the weather. Extremely cold temperatures can be a serious health hazard. If you begin to feel the effects of the cold, stop and go inside for a while.
• Every year a large number of people have heart attacks or other health problems from overexertion while shoveling snow. Don't overdo it - especially if you are normally sedentary or already have a pre-existing condition.

[stepheli]

on 12/13/2006 Don't shovel snow - Wovel it! The Wovel outperforms snow blowers. It can handle slush to over two feet of snow. Save your back! Check it out - Wovel.com. I LOVE mine.

on 2/21/2006 I combine several of the tips shown here and enjoy a substantial reduction of an otherwise burdensome chore, as follows:

1. Wax the blade of the pusher type shovel you use.

2. Shove the snow to the edges of your full-width driveway, if you have that design.

3. "Walk" the snow from the center, alternately, toward each edge, creating a herringbone pattern of cleaned area in the process. You will swing the empty shovel to the opposite direction after you have moved each load to an edge.

4. If your driveway has a slope to it, and is icy; pull a pair of large size socks over your shoes and you will not slip, as you move the snow to the sides.

5. If you have a snow blower, and the snow is heavy - use it.

6. Consider starting a neighbor's co-op to jointly purchase a snow blower that each can use as needed.

7. The next time you purchase a driveway make sure it is blacktop and let the sun do most of the hard work for you.

8. Move to a new place with a south facing driveway - that is black.

on 1/4/2006 If you are not used to strenuous activity, don't risk sore muscles, back strain or even a heart attack. Find a neighbor or a local student who is physically active and looking to earn money. Check with area high schools, YMCA's or community web sites.

on 11/22/2005 An Army folding-shovel or a small gardening spade kept in vehicle can save lives. If you start to think that it is in the way, move a few feet of snow with only your hands.

on 11/22/2005 Instead of shoveling, use a wide blade snow pusher with long handles. This will help push snow out of the way and break chunks of ice at the same time (leveling the walkway or driveway). Using the snow pusher saves bending and straining my back and exerting too much force.