Snow Removal Methods

Shovels

• There are two types of hand shovels to use: a scoop or a push. The scoop shovel is flat, lightweight and effective for walkways and quick jobs in deep snow. Be sure to bend your knees, not your back, as you lift full shovels. A push shovel is heavier and curved like a snow plow. It is best for snow that is less than 10 inches deep. The metal edges chip away at any ice. Coat either shovel with floor wax before use to make it easier and to discourage snow accumulation. There are also rolling snow shovels that you push from behind like a lawn mower; these aid in reducing back strain.

Snow Blowers

• Snow blowers (or snow throwers) have electric or gas-powered engines. The smallest machine is a power shovel, which is somewhere between a shovel and a snow blower. It can clear a 12 inch path at a time and throw the snow up to 10 feet away. Snow blowers clear a larger path and throw the snow up to 50 feet away, depending on the horsepower of the machine. Snow blowers are safe to use when directions are followed but as with all mechanical devices, use common sense and keep away from children.

Brooms

• An outdoor broom is used when there is a light dusting of snow. It works well for sidewalks, decks and steps. Typically, the snow has to be cold enough so that it's not melting or sticky. In the right conditions, it is like sweeping up sand or leaves.

Chemicals

• You can buy nonabrasive de-icing sprays at hardware stores to help keep outdoor surfaces snow-free and to prevent slipping. Often these chemicals need to saturate the surfaces.

Hire Out

• Most communities have a snow removal service that can be utilized. You can also choose to independently hire someone with a front plow on their truck.

Prevention

• As a preventative measure, try sprinkling rock salt on driveways and other surfaces between snow removal or when you know snow or ice is imminent.