Patience and preparation are both key for staying safe during a snowstorm, but they also come in handy during snow removal efforts that take place afterward. Here are some helpful tips and guidelines to keep in mind during this holiday’s winter season:

  1. Do you have difficulty with snow sticking to your shovel as you move along? Try spraying a slight coating of WD-40 oil on your shovel’s blade as this can help snow slide off quickly.

  2. Rock salt contains water, meaning it has the potential to turn icy when temperatures drop below freezing. As an alternative, try using ice melt as a preventive measure for icy walkways and to keep wear on brick or cement to a minimum. Another option to consider is sand, which offers traction on icy paths.

  3. Winter is very difficult on disabled and elderly people who must use a wheel chair to get around. It’s an especially good idea to give them adequate room (a path more than wide enough) to travel your sidewalks easily.

  4. Salt from the street combined with snow can kill your plants! With the exception of certain bulbs which can survive these conditions, we highly recommend not planting anywhere snow may be dumped repeatedly during the winter. When mapping out your garden, keep in mind any areas where snow plows may kick up salt and pile excess snow.

  5. Keep any fire hydrants on or around your property clear! This can save valuable time during an emergency situation.

If you’re unable to remove snow from your property, we can help provide a safer winter environment for your home or business. Contact Hoke’s for a free Snow Removal quote!