Always Clean Snow Off These 5 Places First After A Storm
Waking up to a world buried in white is beautiful...until you realize you now have to get to work clearing it. Shoveling is a chore, but doing it strategically saves you from double the effort and keeps you safe. Most people just start digging blindly at their driveway after heavy snowfall, but there is a smarter way to handle the aftermath, and places you should be cleaning first. Here are a few.
The Exhaust Pipe
Before you even think about starting your engine to let the car warm up, check your tailpipe. If snow or ice blocks the exhaust, deadly carbon monoxide can back up into the cabin, a silent danger that many drivers overlook in their rush to get moving. Take thirty seconds to clear the area around the pipe. It's the most important safety step you can take before your commute begins.
Vehicle Roof
It's tempting to just clear a small hole in your windshield and drive off, but leaving snow on the roof is dangerous. As the car warms up, that sheet of ice will slide down and either block your vision or fly off and hit the driver behind you. It's even a legal requirement to clear your roof in many states. Start at the top and work your way down so you don't have to clean your windows twice.
Furnace Vents
Many modern homes have high efficiency furnaces that vent through the side of the house rather than the chimney. If snow covers these intake and exhaust pipes, your heating system will shut down or leak fumes into your living space. Walk around the perimeter of your home and check that these pipes are completely clear. It ensures your house stays warm and your family stays safe while you finish the rest of the shoveling.
Fire Hydrant
If there's a fire hydrant on your property, you are its first responder. Emergency crews waste precious minutes searching for and digging out buried hydrants during a fire. Clearing a three foot perimeter around it provides firefighters with the access they need to save your or a neighbor's home. It is a small act of kindness for your community that carries a massive impact if an actual emergency occurs during the winter months.
Mailbox Path
Your mail carrier has a difficult job navigating icy roads and heavy bags. If they can't reach your mailbox safely from their vehicle or on foot, they might have to skip your delivery for the day. Clearing a path to the box and the area directly in front of it ensures you get your packages on time. It also prevents the snow from turning into a solid block of ice that becomes impossible to move later.
Once you've handled these spots, the rest of the cleanup feels much less urgent. Remember to take frequent breaks and stay hydrated while you work through the heavy piles. Winter is tough on everyone, but a little preparation goes a long way. You've done the hard part!