Preparing for Blizzards and Stormy Weather

Purchase a quality, lightweight snow shovel before the first snow flakes fall. If the blade on last year's model is cracked or the edge has worn unevenly, replace it. A snow shovel with a clean edge makes scraping walkways and stairs easier, and leaves less snow behind to freeze and turn into slippery ice.

There are many brands and styles of snow shovels available, some with long handles and deeply curved blades designed for pushing snow away. Others have flat, wide blades made from plastic or aluminum for lifting and throwing snow. Newer designs sport ergonomically curved handles, which the manufacturers claim reduce back strain.

Select a model that feels good and is lightweight. An inexpensive model with a wide, light weight plastic blade is suitable for most snow shoveling jobs. Apply a light coating of vegetable spray or penetrating oil on the blade to help the snow slide off easily while shoveling.

Buy a bag or two of snow melting granules, often referred to as rock salt, to spread on icy walkways and stairs. Once it starts to snow, the local merchants quickly sell out of rock salt and snow shovels.

Start up the snow blower. If the snow blower hasn't run since last year, make sure it starts before it starts to snow. Buy fresh gas and oil, add Sta-bil or similar gas preservative to the tank, and check the spark plug. Charge the batteries of electric start models.

Consider purchasing a roof rake. As the winter progresses and snowfall totals mount, snow can build up on the roof of homes, sheds, porches and barns - especially on the roof lines that face toward the north and do not benefit from the warming and melting powers of the sun.

Snowfall can build up creating ice dams along the gutters that does not allow any melting snow to drain away. Instead, the water from thje melting snow is forced up against - and under - the roof shingles and can cause leaks in ceiling and along window frames. In extreme cases, the added weight from the accumulating snow can cause the roof to collapse.

A snow rake is a blade attached to a telescoping pole that enables you to stand on the ground and reach up to safely remove snow from the gutter line. Reach up and as far back as possible with the blade of the snow rake, and pull the snow back towards you, being careful to avoid the falling snow as you pull it off of the roof.

Dress appropriately for the weather. Wear layers of warm yet loose fitting clothing which allows for freedom of movement, especially in the shoulders and hips. A hat and water resistant gloves are a must to protect against heat loss in cold and windy weather.

Wear rubber soled boots and purchase a pair of ice creepers for added traction. Slip-on rubber ice creepers are inexpensive and fit easily over most boots. The short cleats dig into the ice and snow, adding stability while walking and helping to avoid slips and falls - especially on sloped driveways or sidewalks.

Work in small sections and rest often. For many of us, shoveling snow uses muscles that are not used to stress and strain of repeated motions. The added weight of a snow filled shovel increases the exertion levels, and even clearing a small area can be exhausting. Shovel in a slow and steady pace, stopping often to take short breaks before feeling tired and sore.

Start shoveling as soon as the snowfall ends. The longer the snow sits, the more it will settle, condense and begin to freeze making the snow heavier and harder to shovel. If heavy snows are expected, it is often easier and safer to shovel the walkways and driveway a couple of times at intervals during the storm, clearing the snow before it accumulates too deeply.

If the snowfall is deep take two or three scoops to clear a spot before moving forward. Take the top couple of inches with the first scoop, take the next couple inches of snow with the second, and then finally dig down to the pavement level with the next scoop.

Toss shovelfuls of snow forward or off to the side. Do not waste movement and effort by trying to lift the snow and then throwing it up and over your shoulder. Tossing the snow forward with a low, pitching motion conserves energy and reduces muscle fatigue.

Shoveling snow is a fact of winter in northern areas, and clearing snow and ice away from driveways, sidewalks and decks is a necessary winter ritual. Using good judgment and exercising caution will help reduce the risk of injury while shoveling snow.

The fuel tank in most cars and trucks is positioned near the rear drive axel, and a full tank adds weight for additional traction on snow covered roads, driveways and parking lots. Store a bag of rock salt in the trunk, in case a little extra traction is need, liberally spread the rock salt in front (or behind) the tires.

If you have a generator, check to make sure that the tank is full of fresh fuel.

Think safety first. Unless it is absolutely necessary, stay home until the storm is over and the highway crews have enough time to plow the roads. Use caution and good judgment when clearing snow away from doorways, driveways and parked cars, especially if health is a concern. With a little advance planning, a winter storm is little more than a minor inconvenience.

For some, losing electricity is just the minor annoyance of using flashlights and candles for lights. For others, all of the home's major systems including heat and running water depend upon electricity. Homes using well water need electricity to keep the tap water running, both at the faucet and for the toilet. Stock up on bottled water for drinking and washing up, and fill the bathtub with water for flushing.

Check the batteries in flashlights and position them around the house where they will be easy to find if needed in the dark. Give a working flashlight to each child, and show them how to turn the light on and off. Battery operated lanterns are affordable, and provide enough light to illuminate a tabletop for family board game.

Get out the candles and matches ahead of time. Place the candles in areas where they will provide light, but do not pose a safety hazard to drapes, lampshades or other flammable objects. Protect the tabletop or counter from melting wax.

Stock up on split and dried firewood along with kindling or fire starting sticks. Along with light and warmth, a roaring fireplace fire provides a gathering place for the family.

A snowy forecast usually means a frantic run to the grocery store for bread, milk and eggs. Before heading off to the store for those last minute essentials, check the cupboards to make sure that you have enough non-perishable food stock to last for a couple of days. Even if the roads are cleared quickly after the storm, it may take time before the grocery stock receives their deliveries to restock the shelves.

Keep a ready supply of canned soups and crackers. This basic comfort food is easy to prepare and has a long shelf time. A bowl of hot soup with crunchy crackers is a hearty and welcome meal after working outside in the cold to clear the sidewalk.

Stock up on Ready-to-Serve foods. If the electricity is out for an extended time and you cannot use your stove or microwave, you still need to feed your family. Keeping a few types of prepared and packaged food in the pantry that does not require any cooking can keep bellies full and satisfied until the commercial power is restored. Having a ready supply of peanut butter, crackers, granola bars, roasted nuts, canned tuna, applesauce and fruit cups are easy to serve while 'camping out' inside your home.

Think Safety First and do not bring gas grills or other outside cooking stoves into your home. Every winter, homes are burned down and lives lost from the fumes and flames when outdoor are brought inside for cooking and heat. These devices are not designed for indoor use, and using these types of equipment improperly can be fatal. Think!