Every time winter comes, and first snows kick in, most people realize that they will soon have to start shoveling snow. Nobody likes doing it; it's downright tedious and frequently hard. What's more, it can even get dangerous due to ice and cold weather.
Snow shoveling also seems like menial work, but it can often get hazardous for you if you don't know when and how to do it.
The Best Time to Start Shoveling Snow
Everyone who has ever shoveled snow has an opinion on when you should do it. Many will tell you that there is no point in doing it until there's enough of it. Most people will tell you that you don't need to do it if the blizzard hasn't ended. Some will even tell you that there is a precise date when it's best to shovel snow.
So, who is right here? Well, no one, because none of these people have considered the fact that there is a lot more to it if you want to be genuinely effective and if you're looking to avoid getting injured. As we're sure that you want to prevent injuries and be as effective as possible to avoid having to do it all over again very soon, here are a few tips that should help:
- There is no point in waiting for the snow to accumulate as the snow beneath likely will freeze, and you'll have a much harder time to shovel it.
- You shouldn’t start shoveling snow as soon as some of it has accumulated. It’s best to shovel snow as soon as the first snowfall has stopped.
- Avoid shoveling in low light and during a blizzard.
- Always look to start shoveling snow early in the day to prevent it from building up later.
- You don't have to shovel at all if the snow level is very low, and there is enough sunlight that will melt it very soon.
- Never start shoveling snow right after you’ve eaten or had a smoke.
How to Shovel Snow
Now that you know when the best time to start shoveling snow is, all that’s left for you to do is to do it! We can aid you in that as well as there are several tips that can help you do it effectively and thus much faster than usual.
- Always dress appropriately. Your age and level of fitness are irrelevant here, as cold weather can be harmful to anyone.
- Never rush through the shoveling. A lot of injuries occur from shoveling, and they are more common when compared with other activities. It's best to go easy and take enough breaks. You can even stretch before you start to prevent muscle cramps.
- Drink enough water to stay hydrated while shoveling.
- Use a shovel without a sticking surface or spray it with a silicone lubricant as that prevents the snow from sticking to shovel, and you'll have a much easier time shoveling.
- Shovel in one direction and always have a specific place where you’ll throw away the snow.
The Bottom Line
All in all, there is always the best time to start shoveling snow and the right way to do it. If you take the time to heed this advice, you’ll find that shoveling snow can be a much easier task than most people feel it is.
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