10 Safe Snow Shoveling Tips

Winter in Kansas brings a unique set of challenges for homeowners. Whether it’s a light dusting or a hefty snowstorm, managing snow removal from your driveway, sidewalk, and walkways is an essential part of winter maintenance. While hiring professionals is an option, many homeowners prefer to take a DIY approach. However, shoveling snow can be physically demanding and risky if not done properly. To help you stay safe and efficient this winter, here’s a comprehensive guide to DIY snow removal, specifically tailored for Kansas homeowners.

1. Dress for Success

Kansas winters can vary greatly from one storm to the next, so it's important to dress in layers. If you’re heading out to shovel, start with moisture-wicking base layers to keep sweat off your skin and avoid the chill. Follow up with insulating layers like fleece or wool, which retain body heat even when damp. Your outer layer should be waterproof and windproof, especially if temperatures dip below freezing, as Kansas can see fluctuating conditions.

For footwear, opt for waterproof boots with good traction, as icy patches are common. Insulated boots will keep your feet warm, and shoes with a deep tread pattern will help prevent slipping on icy surfaces. Don’t forget a warm hat and gloves—keeping your head and hands protected from the cold can make a big difference.

2. Warm Up Before You Shovel

Shoveling is a physical workout that engages your back, arms, and legs. To prevent injuries, take a few minutes to stretch and warm up before heading outside. Focus on stretching your back, shoulders, and legs to increase flexibility and reduce muscle strain. Some simple stretches you can do indoors include:

• Back stretches (touch your toes, torso twists)
• Shoulder rolls
• Leg stretches (quads, hamstrings, calves)

Getting your muscles warmed up before lifting heavy snow can make a huge difference in how your body handles the workload.

3. Choose the Right Shovel

Not all snow shovels are created equal, and using the wrong one can lead to more strain on your body. When selecting a shovel, look for an ergonomically designed model with a curved or adjustable handle. This will help reduce the need for bending over, which can strain your back. Shovels with a straight handle require more bending and twisting, so they’re not as comfortable for prolonged use.

Consider the scoop size as well—wide scoops can move more snow, but they can also be heavy to lift. If you're dealing with deep, wet snow, a smaller scoop might be better, allowing you to take lighter loads. Some snow shovels come with a combination of features like angled handles or lightweight plastic, which can make shoveling less taxing.

4. Shovel Early and Often

In Kansas, snow can fall quickly, and heavy accumulations can freeze solid overnight, making it harder to remove. For the best results, don’t wait until the snow stops falling to start shoveling. Shovel every few inches, especially during ongoing snowstorms, to keep the snow from piling up. Not only is it easier to clear smaller amounts of snow, but doing so regularly also prevents ice from forming underneath the snow.

• Break up the job. Instead of trying to clear everything at once, break the task into smaller sections. Take a few minutes to shovel your driveway in parts, giving yourself time to rest in between. This will make the work feel less overwhelming and keep your energy up.
• Shovel at intervals. If it’s snowing heavily, try to shovel your driveway or walkway every 30 minutes to prevent snow from building up too much.

Try to shovel at least once every two to three hours during snowfall, and always shovel the same path multiple times to maintain a clean surface.

5. Use Proper Shoveling Technique

One of the most common causes of snow-shoveling injuries is improper technique. To protect your back, knees, and shoulders, avoid the temptation to bend and twist as you shovel. Instead, follow these steps:

• Bend at the knees, not the waist. Squat down to scoop the snow, using your legs to lift the load, not your back.
• Push, don’t lift, when possible. If the snow is light and powdery, try to push it rather than lifting it. This puts less strain on your back and arms.
• Keep your load light. Take smaller scoops of snow, especially if it’s wet and heavy, to prevent overloading your shovel.
• Alternate sides when lifting to keep your body balanced and avoid repetitive strain on one side of your body.

6. Pace Yourself and Take Breaks

Shoveling snow is a physical activity, and it’s easy to overexert yourself, especially during heavy snowfalls. Take frequent breaks to rest, hydrate, and reassess your technique. Remember, it’s not about speed—taking your time and pacing yourself will help prevent exhaustion and injury. If you feel fatigued, take a break indoors, drink some water, and come back out when you’re ready.

If the snow is particularly heavy, or if you have a large area to clear, consider splitting the job into sections and tackling it throughout the day. This makes the task feel less overwhelming and reduces the risk of overexertion.

7. Hydrate, Even in the Cold

It’s easy to forget to drink water when the weather is cold, but staying hydrated is essential. Dehydration can make you feel fatigued and increase your risk of injury. Keep a water bottle nearby and take small sips regularly. If you're out for an extended period of time, opt for warm beverages like herbal tea or hot water to stay hydrated while keeping warm.

8. Clear the Walkways Efficiently

For homeowners with sidewalks, walkways, and driveways, it’s important to remove snow in a way that maintains safety for family members, guests, and mail carriers. As snow and ice build up, these surfaces can become slippery, posing a risk of falls.

• Start at the edges. Always begin by clearing the edges of your driveway and sidewalks first. This makes it easier to clear the middle sections, especially if you’re dealing with a lot of snow.
• Work with the sun. If possible, shovel during the daytime when the sun is out. The sun will help melt the snow and prevent it from refreezing overnight.

9. Use Salt or Sand Wisely

After you’ve cleared the snow, spread de-icing salt or sand to help prevent ice buildup. Be mindful of using salt sparingly, as it can damage lawns, trees, and driveways, especially in large quantities. Salt is also harmful to pets. In Kansas, sand can be a good alternative to increase traction on icy surfaces, particularly in areas where you may want to avoid damaging plants or pavement.

10. Know When to Stop

It’s important to recognize your limits. If the snow is wet and heavy, or if you're experiencing any pain while shoveling, stop immediately. Overexertion can lead to serious injuries, including heart attacks and muscle strains. If you feel any chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, stop shoveling and seek medical help right away.

Consider Snow Removal Alternatives

If shoveling becomes too physically taxing, or if you have a large property, it might be worth considering alternatives like a snow blower or hiring a snow removal service. Snow blowers can make light work of large snow accumulations and are ideal for homeowners with long driveways or extensive walkways. If you decide to purchase a snow blower, choose one with sufficient power for your area and consider getting a model that is easy to maneuver, especially if your driveway has curves or inclines.

If you prefer to leave the snow removal to the professionals, Wetlands Irrigation and Turf offers reliable and efficient snow removal services to keep your property safe and accessible throughout the winter. Contact our team today!