Officials from Erie County Department of Health, Senior Services, Emergency Services urge caution and common sense when removing snow during inclement weather
Erie County officials from the Department of Health, Department of Senior Services and the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services are urging all residents to use caution and practice common sense when shoveling snow or operating snowplows or other heavy machinery to remove snow, ice and other debris.
The messaging is being distributed with urgency this week following the recent report of two Erie County residents passing away while snowblowing/shoveling.
“Shoveling snow during cold weather can be extremely dangerous for some individuals, especially those with high blood pressure or have any type of cardiac history, even if controlled on medication,” said Dr. Gale Burstein, commissioner of the Erie County Department of Health. “When the snow is heavy because it is so wet, the combination of cold temperatures and the extra exertion to shovel snow can cause too much stress on the heart. In addition, walking on ice is extremely dangerous. Many injuries related to cold weather happen from falls on ice-covered sidewalks, steps, driveways, and porches. Keep your steps and walkways as free of ice as possible by using rock salt or another chemical de-icing compound. Proloned exposure to cold temperatures can cause serious or even life-threatening health problems. Anyone can be affected, including children and the elderly. Try to stay indoors during extremely cold weather. Make any trips outside as brief as possible. When outside, dress warmly and stay dry. Do not ignore shivering – it’s an important first sign that your body is losing heat. Constant shivering is a sign that it is time to go inside. Everyone should stay aware of current weather conditions and dress appropriately, especially when high winds are being forecasted.”
As part of these public awareness efforts, the Erie County Department of Senior Services is sharing this set of safety reminders for anyone, especially older adults, as they clear driveways and sidewalks.
WARM UP. Shoveling is an aerobic exercise. As with any workout, a quick 5-10 warm up that includes moves like stretching or marching in place will get your blood flowing to slowly and safely increase your heart rate, and increase flexibility in the joints and muscles that you’ll be using.
DRESS APPROPRIATELY. Dress warmly and in layers. Cover your head, face, and hands. Take a break if you become overheated. Keep feet dry and warm by wearing waterproof, insulated boots with skid protection to help protect you against slips on hidden ice.
USE A SMALL SHOVEL. Remove snow in small sections to avoid strain and prevent injuries that heavier loads could cause.
STAY HYDRATED. Remember, you’re working out. Keep a water bottle handy just inside the garage or doorway to your home and take sips about every 15 minutes.
SHOVEL IN INTERVALS. Shoveling frequently, say every 2 inches of snowfall or so, will help avoid having heavier loads to remove as a storm progresses. If it’s not safe to go out, wait until conditions improve and then work in sections and take breaks frequently. Set time limits and only shovel for a maximum of 15-20 minutes at a time.
USE SMART BODY MECHANICS. Lift with your knees, not with your back. Use the shovel to push the snow instead of lifting and throwing it.
PHONE A FRIEND. Don't shovel alone. Work with a friend or neighbor to keep areas clear. If you must go out alone, phone a friend or family member before you go out to shovel, and again once you're safely back inside.
DON’T. If local officials should happen to advise against leaving the house or going outdoors due to extreme conditions, be sure to heed their advice and hold off on snow removal all together until it is safe to go out.
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