Snow is often portrayed in movies and television as a fun, exciting environment to play in. Kids get out of school, hot cocoa is brewed by the gallon, and everyone has a blast making snowmen – until reality settles.

You need to get your car out, get to work, and — above all else — remove the snow that is stopping you from doing those things. Some of the best snow removal methods that can help you get on your way despite this wintery-white nuisance are described below.

Shoveling

Of the best snow removal methods out there, this is one of the most popular. Shoveling snow requires a specific shovel made for snow. Thankfully, if you live in an area that is likely to receive snow, these shovels are everywhere from home stores to super centers and drug stores.

These shovels have a wide, flat base instead of the pointed, small base of a garden shovel, making the act of picking up snow and moving it much easier. Be sure not to overload your shovel. Pick up half a load at a time, toss it, and go for more.

Snow Blowing

This is one of the best snow removal methods if you have a lot of snow or a large area and you don’t want to exert the energy required to shovel. If you are snow blowing over an area with gravel or rocks beneath the snow, try setting your snow blower an inch or two above the ground so it doesn’t throw the rocks as well. They might clog your snow blower chute or injure passersby.

Snow Plowing

This method is for when you have a lot of snow and a lot of space, but not a lot of time. Attaching a plow to your vehicle means you can drive through the snow, plowing large drifts to the side all at once. If this is the method you choose, just make sure you have a vehicle that can handle the weight of the plow attachment.

Find Snow Removal Professionals

These three tried and true snow removal methods can help you get back on your feet after a wintery fairy-tale of a storm. If you find you need professional help to get started with your snow removal, TalkLocal can help connect you with professionals in your area.

Snow tires are an effective way to give yourself more control behind the wheel while driving on snowy or icy roads. The type of rubber and treading on snow tires allow them to cut through the snow and ice to grip the road.

Even this might not grant you the traction you need. If you are looking for additional ways to maintain control on the roads, studable snow tires might be for you.

What Are Studable Snow Tires?

These types of snow tires were actually invented roughly a half-century ago, but they have grown to be more advanced as time and technology marched on. These tires allow you to screw in metal studs right into your tires. These studs serve as an additional means of cutting through ice and snow so that you can grip the road even while driving in inclement weather.

Advantages Of Studable Snow Tires

Most drivers that have tried out this form of snow tires would agree that they do perform as advertised — they allow your car to handle well both on ice and hard, packed snow. You will likely benefit from them most if you live in an area where snow and ice covers the roads for a good portion of the year. If your area generally gets a few dustings of snow per year, studable snow tires are probably overqualified for the job.

One, Loud Disadvantage

These snow tires can be somewhat of a nuisance when the snow and ice melts off the roads, even temporarily. Driving on the bare road with these tires not only provides additional wear and tear to the roads, but makes for a loud driving experience. Some states even have laws that tell you when you must remove them so that you do not tear up the roads too badly.

Where To Find Them

Studable snow tires can be tough to find, just because they are not overly popular. However, if you are in need of them, put the word out for help by using TalkLocal. We ask you about your needs, and then match you up with a local business or professional that can assist.

The Dangers of Snow Shoveling

The dangers of snow shoveling are well known. These dangers range from mild muscle aches to heart attacks. The dangers occur from the stress that the body undergoes from the physical act of the shoveling of snow. Muscle aches arise from the stress the body undergoes from the heavy loads of the snow.

Soreness, joint aches, wrist and hip injuries, as well as back injuries and strains are all part of the stress that arises from snow shoveling. Older adults and middle-aged men are especially prone to this. However, women are also not excused from this list. Symptoms don’t usually occur until a few days after snow shoveling. The weather also takes a toll on your body, because when you’re working out in the cold, your body takes additional stress.

Tips on How to Prevent the Dangers of Snow Shoveling

1. The first step that you need to take is to dress up in layers to keep yourself warm while you shovel snow. This will keep your body temperature high and prevent the weather from getting in the way.

2. The next step is to warm up gently and start slowly with snow shoveling. If you start too quickly, you will be putting a lot of stress on your body and that will strain your body more.

3. Next, you need to break up the job into small loads. You don’t need to shovel the snow all the way. You can manage small portions. You should also use the correct snow shovel for the job.

4. Lastly, don’t push yourself to the limits. Know your limitations and stop when you know that you’ve had enough.

Need More Help with Snow Removal?

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