Snow removal is an essential winter job for many cities and towns. But it is a difficult task that involves hard work and the risk of injury. Many people are not prepared for the amount of work required to clear snow, and the ice that often accompanies it. This article discusses some of the best ways to prepare for snow removal, and some tips on how to safely do it.
Most cities in areas that get a lot of snow keep a fleet of vehicles for clearing the streets, starting with gritters who spray salt on the road. The salt melts the ice and snow, and gives vehicles better traction. Once roads are treated, plows come in to clear the snow. Large trucks with snow plow attachments or front end loaders move through the city, clearing major roads first and then moving on to neighborhood streets. Individuals are asked to remove snow from sidewalks in their neighborhoods, but this is not a requirement in most cities. Ecological movements have argued that the use of salt on roadways is harmful to the environment, and other means for melting ice and snow are being explored.
Some homeowners are able to contract with a company that will remove their snow for them. The service may be a full season contract, or a will-call service where the customer contacts the company during a storm to request that they clear their property. Some services also offer a roof rake to remove snow from rooftops. These are specialized pieces of equipment that attach to the top of a ladder, and can reach 30 feet or more. A push broom or a shovel can also be used to clear snow from rooftops.
Snow removal is a difficult task that can be done by hand, or with the help of snow blowers, plows and other mechanical tools. The most important thing is to start early, before the snow falls. Clearing pathways, driveways and other key areas as soon as possible will make it much easier to access the area later on. People who are going to be clearing their own snow should prepare for the effort by wearing thermal work gloves and a warm hat, and dressing in layers that can be shed as the body heats up. A good pair of insulated boots with a good grip is also recommended.
A simple solution for ice and snow that does not require rock salt or other chemicals is to mix water with rubbing alcohol. The mixture will melt thin ice and compacted snow, and the alcohol prevents new ice from developing during the next freeze cycle. This is a great alternative to a chemical de-icer, and it can be easily made at home. Some people prefer to use a spray bottle with this mixture to apply it to small areas where needed. For bigger jobs, there are a number of different types of ergonomic snow shovels available on the market.