When you were a kid, you probably loved snowy days. Instead of going to school you got to sleep in and play outside. However, now that you’re an adult, a snowy day just reminds you of all the shoveling you have to do. Rather than spend your day off shoveling, give AC Paving a call for professional snow removal.
Don’t break your back shoveling snow this winter. Let AC Paving take care of your snow removal needs. Call (410) 923-6100 or fill out this form for a FREE Estimate.
Snow shoveling safety is a major concern this time of year, because snow shoveling injuries are a common occurrence. Did you know that shoveling snow can put you at increased risk of a heart attack? If you have a long day of shoveling ahead of you, give AC Paving a call. With the right equipment, AC Paving can get the job done quickly and safely. But if you are going to do it yourself, know what do to and what not to do when shoveling snow.
Snow Removal Services in the Annapolis Area
AC Paving provides commercial and residential snow removal. Whether you need your driveway cleared or you need parking lot snow removal, we have you covered. We cover jobs such as:
- Parking lot snow removal
- Highway snow removal
- Sidewalk snow removal
- Driveway snow removal
- Road snow removal
- Neighborhood snow removal
So, You’re Going to Shovel Yourself…
The snow shoveling safety process should begin before the snow even falls. Purchasing the right shovel will put less strain on your body and protect you from pulled muscles and other injuries.
The first thing to consider is a shovel’s handle length. The ideal length differs based on your height, but you should be able to slightly bend your knees and flex your back while comfortably holding the shovel. You should also look for in a shovel is a curved handle, as this helps you keep your back straight when shoveling.
Another snow shoveling safety tip is to consider using a shovel with a smaller, plastic blade. A smaller blade makes it impossible to lift a big and heavy pile of snow, and shovels with plastic blades also tend to weigh less.
Consider Your Health When Shoveling…
So you’re dreading going outside in the cold to shovel all that snow from your driveway. Maybe getting drunk and shoveling as quickly as possible will make it more tolerable. Unfortunately, this approach could land you in the hospital, because both actions greatly increase your risk of injury and heart attack.
It’s also important that you know when to shovel snow. Rather than waiting until the snow stops and a foot of powder has accumulated, you should go out and shovel every couple hours so that you don’t have a ton of snow to shovel all at once.
…Especially If You’re At Increased Risk of a Heart Attack
If you’re at increased risk of a heart attack then snow shoveling safety is of great importance. Performing an activity as strenuous as shoveling in the cold puts a lot of strain on the heart, but if you’re cautious when shoveling snow you can greatly reduce the risk of a heart attack.
First and foremost, if you have any sort of heart condition you should consult with your doctor before you even think about going outside and shoveling. It’s also especially important that you know the warning signs of a heart attack, such as feeling lightheaded, shortness of breath or tightness in your chest, neck, arms or back.
It’s also essential that you take steps to avoid hypothermia, such dressing in layers, wearing a hat and taking frequent breaks from shoveling to protect yourself from the elements. You should also cover your mouth when shoveling snow because the cold air can trigger breathing problems.
Furthermore, it’s important to avoid eating a large meal before shoveling, as this diverts blood from the heart, and it’s also a good idea to avoid stimulants like coffee or cigarettes, which can raise your blood pressure. Finally, you should wait at least half an hour after waking up before shoveling snow, since blood is more likely to clot right when you wake up.
By following these snow shoveling safety tips you can minimize the threat to your heart and avoid becoming a statistic this winter. Nevertheless, your best course of action may be to let someone else handle snow removal.
Protect your paving from the wrath of winter while relaxing in the warmth of your home. Let AC Paving keep your asphalt clear of snow and ice this winter. Call (410) 923-6100 for an estimate or fill out this form for a FREE Estimate.
In summary, it’s important that you make snow shoveling safety a priority each winter. By understanding what your body is capable of and how to shovel properly, you can stay out of harm’s way when you’re shoveling snow. If you have any questions, give the snow shoveling professionals at AC Paving a call!