Winter Preparation

Last weekend we received our first real snowfall in 2015 in the Grand Rapids and Lansing MI areas. It’s not clear if the snow will stick around this week, but either way – before long, Lansing and Grand Rapids snow will hold us in a cold embrace; and the sooner we prepare ourselves, the better off we’ll be. Forewarned is forearmed. So here are three important winter safety tips to help you prepare for Michigan snow in 2015-2016:

Winter Safety Tip 1: Don’t strain yourself.

We’re all aware that we need to walk carefully on icy sidewalks, because every year people injure themselves when they slip and fall; however, there’s a greater risk that you will die while shoveling snow than by slipping on ice! According to the National Safety Council, shoveling hundreds of pounds of snow can be quite a strain on the heart–especially for older people and sedentary individuals. Just as you would for any workout, prepare yourself for shoveling by being well-rested and well-hydrated. Start by stretching, and then warm up slowly as you work. If you feel tired or strained, take a break. Last, always remember to lift with your legs instead of your back.

Winter Safety Tip 2: Don’t minimize the small storms.

We’re all on guard for the big ones, but smaller storms can cause quite a bit of damage as well. As the experts at NOAA remind us, a few inches of snow or ice is all it takes sometimes to shut a city down and create hazardous conditions on the roads. Exercise just as much caution during small storms as you would during the large ones. The life you save may be your own.

Winter Safety Tip 3: Don’t overlook your disaster communications plan.

Although many of us prepare our houses, cars, and businesses for winter storms, we overlook preparing our families and employees for how we will contact one another if communication systems fail. For more information on family communication plans (which can easily be adapted for commercial use), check out resources through FEMA.

It’s our hope that you take these winter safety tips seriously. Given that during the winter of 2014, a single storm was responsible for the death of six Michigan residents, we know that there’s some room to grow in the area of education and preparedness. Here at Sneller Snow & Grounds, we’re interested in much more than just snow removal and ice management. We’re here to help educate and prepare our customers for whatever the coming months may bring to the Grand Rapids and Lansing MI areas.

If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us or comment below.