Snow shoveling is an inevitable task that many frequently have to do during the winter. However, with the right tools and basic knowledge, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated. Once you know when to shovel, you can be more efficient and spend less time in the snow.
So, when is the best time to shovel snow? Find out when to start to minimize the amount of work!
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When is the Best Time to Shovel Snow?
When it comes to the best time for shoveling, two options are the most reasonable. First, you can wait several days after a storm has passed and remove layers of snow. However, you can also shovel the snow during or between storms and focus on getting rid of a few inches of snow each time.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each choice. If you choose to shovel at the end of the storm, you will have a significant amount of snow to deal with. If you have a major storm, there could be several feet of snow to remove, It could take hours to shovel the snow, and it’s back-breaking work.
Should You Shovel Snow While it is Still Snowing?
To save energy, you could opt to shovel during breaks in the snowfall. It is the more time and energy-efficient way to remove snow. Instead of doing all the work at the end of the snowfall, you need only remove a few inches of snow at a time. You have less exposure to the cold, and your muscles get a break from the heavy lifting.
Others choose to shovel while it’s snowing, but this is dangerous. Shoveling snow during a storm can result in physical harm. Being out in a storm increases your likelihood of experiencing an injury. You could slip on ice, develop a back injury, or hit yourself with the shovel. Wind, snow, and low temperatures can also make shoveling likely to result in a slip-and-fall accident during a snowstorm.
How to Make Shoveling While It Snows Safer
If you want to increase your safety, there are a few precautions you can take. For one, use the proper tools. Before the winter arrives, get the best snow shovel for your needs. Doing so reduces the risk of injury and increases your efficiency.
You can also limit injury by not packing the snow before you get started. Avoid walking or driving on the snow, as packed snow is difficult to remove. If the snow seems to be sticking to your shovel, use silicone or cooking spray to make the snow slide off your shovel.
If you don’t want to slip on an icy surface, you should salt or sand your driveway before and after a storm. Although salting doesn’t eliminate ice, it does limit it. When you go out to shovel, you’re less likely to slip.
No matter what, you should only shovel if the snow is light and there’s limited wind. There’s no way to be safe in harsh winter conditions.
What Time of Day Should You Shovel?
If you choose to wait for it to stop snowing, you may be tempted to shovel whenever you have free time. However, it’s not the best approach.
During the morning, the snow is frozen and hasn’t had a chance to melt. However, in the afternoon, the snow melt and make the ground slippery. For your safety, you should always shovel in the morning. It may be warmer in the afternoon or more convenient, but your safety matters the most.
Why This Is the Best Time
When it comes to shoveling snow, you have more than an efficiency to consider. You also have the safety factor. No one should put life or health on the line for snow. For this reason, deciding when is the best time to shovel snow isn’t always straightforward.
By shoveling in between snowfalls or after a storm, you reduce many risks. You also prevent the snow from accumulating to great heights, which means you have less work. Plus, you’re less likely to experience an injury from overexertion.
Shovel Through!
The best time to shovel snow is when you can do so safely. Shoveling during a storm is hazardous and not recommended, but the same is true of letting snow accumulate into a mountain. You also need to factor in your physical state. If you feel exhausted or in pain, you shouldn’t shovel. Instead, wait until you have energy and feel good enough to do the work.
When is your favorite time to shovel? Comment below and share your thoughts!