Safe Snow Removal for Homes and Businesses

The winter season brings many challenges, one of which is safely removing snow from our homes and businesses. There are a few different ways to do this, and the best method may vary depending on the situation. In general, though, it's important to take some time to plan ahead and be aware of any potential hazards to you, to customers, or pets in residential areas. With a little bit of preparation, you can help ensure that everyone stays safe during the snow removal process. 

Pre-Storm Prep

Keeping your gutters clean is essential for keeping your home safe from the damaging effects of stormy weather. Before the storm arrives, it's important to clear out gutters and downspouts of any debris such as leaves and sticks. If these materials are left behind, they can become heavy with rainwater and cause your gutters to clog or overflow, possibly resulting in water leaking through your roof or flooding around the foundation of your home. Doing a quick inspection each time before a big storm could prevent costly damage to your property in the long run!

Don't Shovel Snow Into Roads

Winter weather can be treacherous and shoveling snow is often necessary for safe passage on sidewalks, driveways, and other areas. Nonetheless, it is important to not shovel or blow snow into the roads as it creates a dangerous situation for drivers. Not only does this create a slippery surface, but mounds of piled-up snow can lead to visibility issues that could cause serious collisions. Furthermore, when snow from sidewalks or driveways accumulates on roads, it must later be removed by cities at an increased cost or, worse still, it stays on the roadside because the plows have already come through for the day. The best practice is to keep the roads clear of any additional snow and allow municipal workers to handle road maintenance safely.

Snow and Ice Removal After a Storm

After a storm has passed, snow and ice can still remain on surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, steps, and rooftops. Removing them as soon as possible is important both for safety purposes and to prevent long-term damage from frozen precipitation. For pet owners, it's important to use pet-safe ice melt specifically when removing snow and ice in order to avoid any potential harm from chemicals found in other products. Once melted, shoveling the remaining mixture away is the best way to ensure your property is safe for foot traffic and pet animals alike.

Keeping Pet Paws Safe in Winter

• Keep your pet's paws protected with booties.
• Trim nails and hair between the toes to prevent ice from accumulating.
• Wipe off any salt, antifreeze, or other chemicals from their paw pads after walking in them.
• Securely store rock salt away from pets, as it can be toxic if ingested. 
• Apply a wax-based paw balm or petroleum jelly to help protect their paw pads against dryness and cracking. 

Removing Snow From Rooftops

When it comes to removing snow from roofs, safety must be the top priority. Invest in the right tools to keep overhanging eaves free from snow that can fall on passersby, or create ice dams. A simple roof rake should do the trick, and reach different heights with extension poles.

Clear Chimney and Dryer Vents

Before you light up your fireplace this winter, be sure to check if the chimney is clear of snow. Snow and ice can accumulate in both chimney and dryer vents, creating potential fire hazards. If you don’t already have a chimney cap, have one installed to prevent snow, debris, and animals from getting in while still allowing smoke to vent out.

The same goes for your dryer vent; if it’s not properly capped you run the risk of it being blocked by snow and ice accumulation, making your dryer a fire hazard when in use. Have the vents professionally cleared and ensure your vent cap is fully functioning to keep the winter weather out.

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