How old is too old to shovel snow? With Michigan blanketed, what you should know

With parts of Michigan blanketed by more than a foot of snow this past weekend, many people are spending this Presidents Day digging out around their homes.

A snowy weekend brought over a foot of snowfall in some areas as part of a coast-to-coast winter storm, according to the National Weather Service. Whether you’re using a snow thrower or shovel, it’s important to put your safety first when clearing your driveway and sidewalks this winter.

Here’s what to know.

How can you stay safe while clearing snow?

When clearing winter snow, make sure to follow safe methods. Whether you’re using a snowplow or manually clearing snow with a shovel, here are some tips to remember:

• Dress warmly with a winter coat, hat, gloves and secure shoes or boots

• Check weather conditions. Avoid heading out in dangerous conditions

• Drink water before clearing snow

• Read your device’s owner’s manual

• Avoid excess strain on your body

• Keep children and pets indoors while clearing snow

• Remove any obstacles in your path

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How old is too old to shovel snow?

According to the American Heart Association, adults older than 45 should exercise caution when shoveling. Those with known or suspected heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol are particularly at risk, the association noted.

Additionally, individuals who smoke, are obese, or lead a sedentary lifestyle should take extra care.

Shoveling can pose a severe risk for people with heart disease and should be avoided, the Mayo Clinic recommends. The combination of strenuous physical exercise and cold weather could trigger a heart attack. This can occur as blood vessels constrict in cold weather, increasing blood pressure and potentially causing chest pain.

What should you know about shoveling?

If you choose to clear snow manually using shovels, pay attention to outdoor conditions and avoid excess strain on your body.

Shovel freshly fallen snow, as the snow will be lighter and easier to shovel soon after falling. Experts recommend shoveling when between 2-4 inches have fallen, clearing the snow before it’s been walked on or driven over.

Select appropriate shovels for the task. Options include a standard wood, metal, or plastic snow shovel, an ergonomic shovel for easier lifting, and a pusher or wide shovel for sliding along pavement.

Prepare your body for the physical task of manual snow clearing. Drink plenty of water beforehand and dress warmly. Watch out for ice paths on pathways and take periodic breaks to avoid strain on your back and shoulders.

What should you know about snow-clearing devices?

Before getting out machinery, it’s important to be prepared to use it safely. Experts recommend reading the device’s owner’s manual — complete with descriptions of how the snow thrower operates and instructions for safe use.

Prepare fuel-powered devices with the proper fuel as recommended by the manufacturer and fuel that is less than 30 days old. Keep fresh fuel nearby in case you need to refuel equipment and always turn off machinery before refueling. Never add fuel to a hot or running machine engine, as this poses a significant safety risk to the operator.

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Fully charge battery-powered devices before hooking up the equipment.

If any snow jams occur in the equipment, always use tools or sticks to clear the snow. Make sure to turn off equipment before unclogging any jams. Never insert your hands into the device’s chute or auger, as the sharp machinery can be harmful.

Lansing State Journal Local News Editor Dan Basso contributed.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Shovel snow safely after big Michigan snow storm. What to know