Stay Safe While Shoveling Snow: 8 Tips for Homeowners

If you live in the northern U.S. or Canada, you’re well aware that it’s snow time of year to be caught outside in the elements. However, after a blizzard rolls through, someone’s gotta clear a path for the car to get out. If you drew the short straw this time around, you should know you’re up for a formidable task: According to data compiled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, shoveling snow causes thousands of injuries and up to 100 deaths every year.

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Great. So now the worst winter chore is actually out to kill you, too.

The reason shoveling is so dangerous for some people is because it can increase the risk of a heart attack, says the American Heart Association.

Snow is heavy and hard to move. You know that; you’re trying to use that measly little shovel from the hardware store to move massive drifts, and all the while, sweat is dripping down your back and pooling in your snowsuit. All that exertion can put some pressure on your heart — as well as your temper.

This is especially true if shoveling is the most activity you’ve done in a while. The cold can double down on the danger. Low temperatures can constrict your arteries, decreasing blood supply and increasing the risk of a blood clot. This puts you at a higher risk for a heart attack. Individuals over 40 should be particularly careful when getting their shovel on.

Protect Your Heart While Shoveling Snow

These tips from the National Safety Council can help you decrease the strain shoveling puts on your heart:

Take It Slow

Warm your body up to activity by doing some stretches before you head out to shovel.

Get Out Ahead of It

Shovel while the snow is still coming down — if you can do so safely, of course. This is a good strategy for two reasons: One, because fresh, powdery snow is lighter than packed-down wet stuff and two, because shoveling small amounts of snow over time is less strenuous than trying to get rid of a big accumulation all at once.

Push, Don’t Lift

Don’t copy the form of a cartoon character who scoops up a big shovelful of the white stuff and chucks it over their shoulder like it’s nothing. It’s not nothing. Decrease the amount you lift by making like a snowplow and pushing the snow where you want it to go, rather than picking it up and placing it there. If you have to lift snow, use a small shovel or only fill it up part of the way. And remember the old adage: Lift with your legs, not your back.

Press Pause

Don’t work until you’re so exhausted that you simply can’t go on. Take a cocoa break and pawn the job off to someone who’s been snug and warm inside for the last hour.

Know Thyself

If you have a history of heart attacks, heart disease or other cardiovascular issues, leave the shoveling to someone else, or call in a professional service. And if you believe you’re experiencing the signs of a heart attack (chest discomfort, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, etc.), don’t hesitate to call 911.

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Other Shoveling Safety Tips

Not all the dangers of shoveling are heart-related. Even the healthiest and fittest of us can follow these snow-removal safety tips:

Reduce Choking Risk

Don’t eat, chew gum or smoke while shoveling.

Keep Warm

Don’t let yourself get too cold out there, and be especially mindful of the state of your extremities. Know the signs of frostbite and seek medical attention if you experience the following:

• First-degree frostbite (frostnip): Skin is red and cold to the touch
• Second-degree frostbite: Skin turns from red to pale or even blue
• Third-degree frostbite: Skin becomes blue or splotch, and the area may be numb

To prevent frostbite, Healthline says to avoid contact with metals surfaces in the cold, dress for the weather, change out of wet clothing ASAP and stay hydrated.

Snowblower Safety

So you have a snowblower. Good for you. You’re above all this shoveling nonsense. Even so, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends safe operation of your snowblower. Turn it off if it jams. Don’t leave it alone while it’s running. Never run it or add gas to it in an enclosed space. And keep your hands free of the moving parts.