SATURDAY, Dec. 28, 2002 (HealthDayNews) -- A snowblower can be a great help in clearing all that snow from your sidewalk and driveway.
However, a snowblower can be dangerous if you don't follow recommended safety precautions. The Medical College of Wisconsin offers the following advice.
Before the first snowfall:
- Check and clear the areas that you're going to clear with the snowblower. Remove large stones, sticks, toys and other objects.
- Mark obstacles that can't be moved, such as water and gas shut-offs and driveway markers, so that you know where they are when they're covered with snow and can avoid running the snowblower over them.
- Adjust the snowblower's housing height so there's sufficient clearance above gravel or rock surfaces.
During snow removal:
Shut the snowblower engine off and wait for attachment blades to stop before you clear the auger or the discharge chute.
- Disengage the attachment and stop the engine before you change the position of the deflector.
- Don't use the snowblower to clear slope faces. That puts you at risk of tipping over the snowblower.
More information
Here's where to find more about snowblower safety.
