7 tips to make snow shoveling easy and injury free

November 25, 2019 | SECURA Insurance

Snow brings a fresh perspective by dropping a bright, white layer over a house, a neighborhood, a city. But it also brings the inevitable chore: shoveling.

Keeping your driveway and walkways cleared of snow makes it easier to get in and out of your house. Plus, most cities have regulations about timely snow removal. Check your city's website to see when your sidewalks need to be clear after a snowfall.

Use these tips while shoveling to simplify the job and prevent injuries:

Cover up. Even though you may work up a sweat clearing the driveway, your extremities can get cold quickly. Keep your head, ears, hands, feet, and as much of your face covered as possible.
Shovel when it's fresh. If you wait until the snow is packed and hardened, it will be more difficult to move.
Push first, then lift. Guide the snow as your shovel, rather than just lifting, to ease the strain on your back.
Lift with your knees. This doesn't just apply to moving heavy objects. Lift the shovel by bending your knees and keeping your back straight.
Limit the snow in your shovel. Don't overfill your shovel on every pass. Instead, fill only half the shovel at a time.
Listen to your body. If you feel tired, short of breath, or tightness in your chest, stop and take a break. Learn more about how cold weather affects your heart.
Bring a friend. Invite your spouse, child, or neighbor to shovel with you. You'll clear the driveway and sidewalks in a fraction of the time - plus, you may just get to enjoy another inevitable part of winter: snowball fight!