00:00snow and freezing weather can make walkways around your home an icy danger.
00:05How can you safely make sure your driveway and walkways are clear?
00:11Well, you got a couple of options. The best method to clear snow really depends on the size
00:16and the snow conditions. So smaller driveways and walkways, light snowfall, a snow shovel might do
00:23the trick. But larger driveways, heavier snow, a snowblower really helps to clear the snow quickly
00:28easily. And then in the event of a large storm with wet heavy snow, plan to clear the snow every
00:34four to six inches of accumulation if clearing with a shovel or eight to 12 inches of accumulation
00:40if you're using a snowblower. And then once the snow has been cleared, you want to go back over
00:44the area with like a granule ice melter or some salt to reduce any additional snow accumulation.
00:50Keep ice from reforming. You can also apply salt before the storm to help slow the accumulation
00:56of snow and ice and make it easier to manage. All right, you mentioned the snowblower here.
01:01Is it really only for heavy snowfall or could you use it with maybe just a few inches of snow?
01:07So whether a snowblower is necessary really depends on your property type, your budget,
01:12personal needs. Snowblowers can be used in all types of snow conditions, light or heavy.
01:17They're versatile for all depths and types of snow, may be used on parking areas, driveways,
01:23and walkways. Areas with long winters or those prone to heavy wet snow, snowblowers are
01:29certainly an effective way to clear accumulation without heavy lifting, making snow removal easier,
01:35less prone to causing back or shoulder injuries. Snowblowers are designed to direct the flow of
01:40snow where you want it so you can clear the snow away from doorways and vehicles.
01:46And what are some safety precautions to remember when using snowblowers?
01:51Yeah, important question. So really before the season begins, we'd recommend priming your
01:56snowblower by checking over any wires for possible damage during the off-season,
02:01changing the oils so your machine is good to run all season long and ready to go when the first
02:06snow comes. Check your machine's oil level before each use. Have extra oil on hand to top off when
02:12you need it. When operating the snowblower, you should always be mindful of your surroundings.
02:18Make sure you're not directing the flow of snow towards vehicles, buildings, or anyone who might
02:22be outside. And then like any small engine machine, snowblowers can be loud, so wearing
02:27hearing protection is important when you're operating a snowblower. And then because a
02:32snowblower can throw snow and ice, possibly, you know, small stones or gravel that might be on your
02:38driveway up to 40 feet, really wearing eye protection is important and adjusting the skids
02:44on the bottom of the intake when clearing snow of a gravel driveway
02:49so that the auger doesn't scrape up loose stones along the way.
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