It can be tempting to look for the snow blower with the most power and farthest reach. Use an object like a stick or broom handle to clear away the clog, avoiding putting your hands near the blades even if you’re sure they’re no longer turning. The blades will continue to turn for a short time afterward, which is why so many injuries occur each year. Turn the machine off, disengage the clutch and wait at least five seconds after you’ve cut power. If you must unclog your snow blower, make sure you practice safety precautions in doing so. Another way to keep clogging at a minimum is to manage snow levels by clearing it away in stages, as it accumulates. You can prevent clogging by spraying the chute and blades with cooking spray before getting started. If your snow blower becomes clogged, do not attempt to unclog it with your hand, even if you’ve turned the unit off. Speaking of safety, it’s important to remember that in the chute of every snow blower is a dangerous blade. Also, wear boots that feature plenty of traction on the undersides to avoid slipping while you’re clearing snow away. If you wear earplugs, make sure you roll them tightly so they’ll fully cover the eardrum before you insert them.
You’ll need to plan to wear earmuffs, earplugs or both at all times to protect your hearing. No matter which snow blower you choose, you’re likely going to find it’s more than a little noisy. Conveniences like heated hand grips and remotely operated chutes make the process of eliminating snow from your yard easier, and an increasing number of snow blowers offer these features.
Snow blowers have come a long way in recent years, doing more of the work with less effort from you. If you live in one of those states, keeping your walkways, driveway and vehicles clear is essential in order to get out of the house. The winter months can be tough for a large portion of the U.S., with 16 of the 51 largest cities seeing about two feet of snow on average each year.