6 Snow Safety Tips for Your Southern New Hampshire Home or Vacation Property

With snow in 49 of the 50 states today, it seems appropriate to share some snow safety tips for those who need to venture out into the weather, either for work or an important errand.  Although there hasn't been much snow in Southern New Hampshire up until now this winter, we still have many more months of winter to deal with.

1.  Dress in layers.  Ideally, the layer against your skin should be made of a synthetic microfiber that wicks moisture away from your body.  Avoid cotton, which gets wet and stays wet. Top the wicking layer with something warm like fleece and finish with a jacket that’s windproof.

2.  Wear boots with good traction.  Make sure they aren't too tight, either because they're too small or because you have on bulky socks.

3.  Wear sunglasses and sunscreen.  A sunny day in winter is often brighter and more dangerous to your eyes and skin than summer sun.  That’s because of the reflection off the snow.  So before leaving your Southern New Hampshire home, slip on sunglasses and generously apply sunscreen.

4.  Shovel with care or hire it out.  If you’re not in tip-top shape to shovel the snow from your Southern New Hampshire home’s driveway, hire a neighborhood teen to do it.  You’ll give that teen some much wanted income, and save yourself from strained muscles at the least and a heart attack at the worst.  If you do not have a history of heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure or any other ailment that could result in injury or death, you may decide to shovel the snow yourself.  Here are a few tips for safe snow shoveling:

    * Stay well hydrated.  Don’t drink caffeine or alcohol during or immediately before shoveling.
    * Take frequent breaks.  Do not remove deep snow all at once; take off an inch or two at a time.  Preferably, start when the snow is not yet heavily packed, and shovel periodically if the snow continues to fall.
    * Pick a shovel with a smaller blade.  This puts less strain on your body because you lift less snow at once.
    * Use a back-friendly shoveling technique.  Keep the shovel close to your body.  Bend from your knees, not your back.  Tighten your stomach muscles.  Do not twist. Instead, move your body so your feet face the direction in which you’re shoveling.  Do not throw the snow over your shoulder; throw it in front of you. 
    * Check your body.  Are you experiencing shortness of breath, dizziness or chest pains?  Stop immediately and seek medical help.

5.  Prepare your car for snowy conditions.  Clean all the snow off your car before leaving your Southern New Hampshire home.   Make sure your windshield wipers and headlights are cleaned off and working.  Stock your car with a shovel, extra clothes, a blanket, a flashlight, snacks, water, an ice scraper and wood ashes or sand for traction in case you get stuck in the snow.

6.  Go slowly.  Whether walking or driving, give yourself additional time to get to your destination.  The roads, driveways and sidewalks get slick, and even a generous amount of salt can leave behind spots of ice and snow.

Stay safe and warm this winter!  If you’d like to buy a safe, warm Southern New Hampshire home, I can help.  Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.