When the cold, blustery Hudson, OH, winter arrives, the snow comes with it. Shoveling the snow might not be so bad at first, but the longer the winter stretches on, the more frustrating it can become. This is when entrusting your snow removal to an expert can free up your time, keep you on schedule, and protect your health.
Related: How Professional Snow Removal Can Protect Your Driveway in Pepper Pike, OH
Possible Problems From Removing the Snow Yourself
Shoveling Injury: Hospitals report that every year when the harsh weather hits, visits to the Emergency Room for injuries related to snow removal increase. Even the fittest person can suffer from injury or strain to the lower back muscles caused by the twisting and bending motions of removing snow.
Another serious health problem can come from undue stress on your heart, especially for those who do not exercise on a regular basis and for the elderly. People who exhibit no heart problems can experience shortness of breath, tingling in the arms, and even a heart attack from the exertion of repeatedly shoveling the driveway and walkways.
Finger lacerations can also be very common when shoveling snow, as can injuries to the arms, shoulders, and head. Slipping and falling is always a possibility when shoveling the slippery, icy mess.
Snow Blower Injury: Many types of injuries can result from using the snow blower to remove the build up of snow. It can be easy to get in a hurry or become frustrated when the snow blower clogs up or overheats. This is a prime time for injury as it can be tempting to stick your hand into the blower to clear the snow, but this is unwise as the motor and the blades can still be moving even once it is switched off.
Adding fuel to your snow blower can be dangerous when it has been running and is hot. It can also be dangerous to add fuel in an enclosed space, such as the garage, where the chance of strong fumes can make you woozy.
Not familiarizing yourself with the use of a snow blower, or the operation of a different type of blower than you are used to, can also cause injury. The safety features are there for a reason—to protect you from burns and harm from the cord recoil. Removing any of the safety features can result in serious wounds or worse.
What You Can Do To Remove Snow Safely
Removing snow is a reality in the Hudson, OH, winters, but there are some specific things you can do to dramatically decrease your chances of injury during the winter season.
Warm Up: Bending and stretching before shoveling snow can release the tension in your muscles and warm them for the activity that is to come. Getting your heart rate up by doing jumping jacks can seem silly, but it actually prepares your body for the physical exertion of shoveling.
Prepare your Equipment: Ensuring that your shovel has no cracks or gouges that could damage the surface of the driveway is essential. Using a plastic shovel can be best approach because it is the least likely to dig into the driveway material. Make sure your snow blower is in excellent condition by having it tuned up prior to winter snow, and use fresh gas to avoid filter clogs.
Entrust a Professional
The best way to protect your health and your landscape can be to entrust the snow removal to a professional. Your Hudson, OH, landscape service will plow your driveway, take exceptional care in putting plowed snow where it won’t damage your landscaping, vehicles, or property, and provide unparalleled customer service. You’ll get fast, responsive, and professional snow removal when you need it.
Related: Why Working with Experienced Landscaping Companies Matters in Novelty, OH
