A lot of people don’t think of clearing snow off the path or driveway as being dangerous work. If they see danger in the task, they may only think about slipping and falling. But shoveling can lead to back problems and even, potentially, heart attacks.
Winter weather has arrived in many parts of the country. A lot of folks are struggling with snow. Different kinds of snow require different tactics to shovel it safely and efficiently.
After digging out from Winter Storm Bellamy last weekend, weather.com’s meteorologist Jonathan Erdman said, “I did (re)learn one thing with Bellamy: Eventually, even shoveling 10 inches of fluffy, dry snow becomes too heavy for most. I used a snowthrower for most of it, but the area where my snowthrower wouldn't go (back patio) was quite a slog.”
With that in mind, it’s important to recognize your limits, take your time, and maybe enlist the help of a family member or three! Start to shovel when two to three inches are on the ground, not when the storm ends. It’s better to shovel a few times than to try to remove two feet of snow once.
The first step of properly shoveling snow is determining if it is wet or dry. If it was below 20 F when it fell, and it’s a light powder that sparkles in the sun and sticks together well, that’s dry snow. If it fell when it was warmer outside, is dense, sticks together well enough to make snowmen and snowballs easily and doesn’t glint in the sun that much, it’s wet snow.
If it is dry snow, the pushing method is best. Not only are you effectively moving large amounts of snow without putting a strain on your back, but you’re also making it less likely to blow off your shovel back to where it was. Use a wide shovel to push strips of snow off your walkway or driveway. Be sure to clear dry snow soon after it is on the ground. The less time it has to compact or go icy underneath, the easier it is to remove!
Weather.com’s meteorologist Jonathan Belles had a warning about wet snow, “Shoveling heavy, wet snow isn't just back-breaking — it can be deadly. Not-so-affectionately known as heart attack snow, the density and weight of this snow can cause your heart, muscles and respiratory systems to go into overdrive when shoveling a lot of it.”
For wet snow, it’s better to use a smaller shovel with a curved neck. That way, you will have more control and reduce bending. Because of the weight of wet snow, you should take smaller scoops as you shovel so you aren’t lifting too much. And remember to lift with your knees.
If you have a history of heart issues or aren’t normally active, talk to your doctor about whether shoveling snow is a safe activity for you. It is a serious workout. And if you are cleared for shoveling, don’t eat, drink caffeine or smoke during or right before you do it. That can add stress to your heart.
As shoveling is a serious workout, you should treat it as one. Stretch before you start removing snow. And stay hydrated. We rarely feel as thirsty when we’re cold, but dehydration happens in cold weather too.
And remember, shovels aren’t your only tools as you clear the snow. A water-displacing spray on your shovel can stop snow from building up on it. That could be anything from a cooking oil like Pam, to WD-40 or furniture polish. Roof rakes are designed to get snow off your roof easily. But if you don’t have one, a broom or a rake will at least get snow off your gutters. And ice melt can help you clear out compacted snow and prevent things from refreezing later!
