Read our snow removal safety tips for maximum safety. Be sure to wear warm gloves, shoes and use a shovel that is the right size for you.
With such a massive pileup of snow from the recent Blizzard Jonas, there is a good chance you had no choice but to put on your winter boots, find a shovel, and dig yourself out of your home. What seems like a routine task to some, can be deadly for others. Did you know that shoveling snow sends thousands of children and adults to the hospital annually? On top of that, improper snow removal leads to vehicle accidents and results in more fatalities. Sadly, even Blizzard Jonas reportedly took the lives of at least 48 people. At Lehnhoff’s Landscaping, we care about your safety. Let’s talk about snow removal safety tips to get you through the next snowfall.
Wear Proper Attire
When you are shoveling snow from your driveway, sidewalks and patio – it is important that you wear proper attire. You should wear gloves that are thick enough to protect your hands from the cold, and durable enough to grip a shovel. You should wear well-fit waterproof boots that have soles for good traction, to prevent slipping and falling. Wear layers and dress warm (include hat and waterproof winter coat). Just because it is cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t overheat from excess exertion.
Use an Appropriately Sized Snow Shovel
If you don’t have a shovel that is appropriately sized for your height and weight, you are in trouble. The wrong shovel can force you to exert a dangerous amount of energy from weak parts of your body, resulting in pulled muscles and strains. If you are short, use a shorter shovel. If you are tall, try using an ergonomic handled shovel – meant to reduce strain. Keep in mind: If the scoop of your shovel is too large, you may strain yourself trying to pick up the weight of the snow. Choose a scoop that holds weight you are strong enough to carry.
Be Alert and Know When to Quit
Be alert to the conditions that you are shoveling. Always keep a lookout for slippery patches of ice and snow. Most importantly, know when to quit. If you begin to feel strained, overheated, tiresome or short of breath – STOP shoveling. Overexerting yourself is a leading factor in snow removal related deaths. Take a break.
Let Lehnhoff’s Landscaping Take Care of Your Snow Removal Needs
If your winter maintenance needs are too large and the strain too much, or if you don’t have the time, Lehnhoff’s Landscaping is here to help. We provide professional snow removal and landscaping services for all of Maryland. Our teams of snow removal experts manage everything from plowing, to shoveling, to ice scraping. We have years and years of experience in removing snow from patios, parking lots, roads and sidewalks – as well as salting and ice melting.
Our snow removal plans and planting services will ensure that no matter what time of year it is, your property will be stunning and safe. If you have any more questions about snow removal in Baltimore, contact Lehnhoff’s Landscaping by Calling 443.921.5789 or visit LehnoffsLandscaping.com today!
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