Tips to Enjoy a Stress-Free Snow Day

Don’t get caught off guard. In the event of a winter storm, it’s best to stay off the roads if possible. Do you have enough food and bottled water? Did you stock up on rock salt or ice melt? Shopping in advance allows you to avoid the risk of driving during a storm as well as long lines and shortages at the store. Consider breaking out the slow cooker and using ingredients you have on hand to make a delicious, hearty meal. You’ll be happy that it’s cooking while you’re out having fun!

Make sure you charge your phones in advance and collect important numbers you may need—utility providers, emergency contacts, neighbors, or the numbers for potential appointments that may require rescheduling. Check that you have spare flashlight batteries and a backup cellphone charger in the event of a power or internet outage, as well as a full tank of gas in your car.

It’s always important to take precautions when clearing your driveway and walkways of snow. The best place to start is with a pre-snow dusting of rock salt, ice melt, or coarse sand. This is a trick the road crews use to melt ice when the snow begins to fall. Once the snow has accumulated, it’s best to shovel with a good quality, ergonomic shovel like the Suncast 18 in. Double Grip Ergonomic Combo. Its two grips provide a higher lifting point for less stress on you and the blade.

• Warm up first. Shoveling can be strenuous, so stretch before you start!
• Shovel every few hours. Shoveling small amounts is easier and prevents snow from getting packed down.
• Walk the snow with a pusher-style shovel rather than lifting or tossing. Be sure to keep the shovel close to your torso.
• If you do lift the snow, use your knees and not your back, gripping the shovel with one hand on the handle and the other further down toward the blade. Avoid any twisting motions.