Handy Dandy List of Winter-Storm Suggestions

We've been in business for decades, so we've seen a thing or two...

Here's a handy dandy list of suggestions from Mowers And More for other things that might be important to you during a snow event: 

Shoveling Safety: Snow shoveling is strenuous and can put a significant strain on your heart. Take frequent breaks, push snow instead of lifting when possible, stay hydrated, and dress warmly. Avoid lifting above the level of your heart. In the event of an emergency, or if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or unusual fatigue, stop immediately and dial 911. Those with heart conditions or other risk factors should use extra caution or abstain and consider asking someone for help.

Fuel up: Make sure vehicles, power equipment, and heating sources are fully fueled up. Of course, if you’re storing gasoline for power equipment make sure to add a fuel stabilizer to your red gas cans when you purchase the gas. An ounce of prevention now saves fuel system troubles later.

Charge essential devices: Fully charge up your communication devices, flashlights, rechargeable batteries, and radios if you have them (you can also use your car for the radio in an emergency but be careful to not drain your car battery when doing so, and don’t run any engines in enclosed areas, even open garages can trap enough odorless toxic fumes to become deadly).

Pickup essential prescriptions and essentials: Don’t wait until the storm arrives. Refill critical prescriptions if you’re going to run out if supply during the storm. Gather any first aid or medical and household supplies you might need now.

Reply on local radio for updates: Unlike streaming services, local radio stations provide the most accurate and timely emergency information during storms.

Plan food and water needs: You’ve heard of milk, eggs, and bread, but don’t forget about your pets. Make sure you have food on hand for everyone in your household. Stock up on bottled water or pre-fill food-safe water containers in advance.

Limit travel: Avoid unnecessary trips in the inclement weather to help keep the roads clear, and keep yourself, municipal workers, and first responders safe.

If you must drive, Arrive Alive! Allow extra time, slow down, increase your following distance, and stick to main high-traffic areas that are more likely to be cleared first. Safety first!

Pedestrian Safety: Avoid walking on roadways during or immediately after the storm. Low visibility and poor road conditions greatly increase the risk of accidents and injuries to everyone.

Generator, grill, and stove safety: Never use portable generators* or outdoor grills indoors or in enclosed spaces such as garages or porches. Keep them outside and away from buildings to prevent accidents, fires, or carbon monoxide poisoning. Don’t use your stove to heat the indoors if your heater is unavailable. (*professionally-installed, whole-house standby generators with proper exhaust systems which were setup by your generator installer to be exhausted outside, this is different than portable generators).

Dress for the cold: It’s also going to be very cold for this storm before it warms up next week. Bundle up! Protect exposed skin, and limit time outdoors to avoid hypothermia.

Plan for communication outages: Your internet service may also become unavailable, even if you have a generator. Plan accordingly, especially in areas where cellular signal is limited.

Last but not least, check on your neighbors: Please check up on elderly, disabled, or vulnerable neighbors when it is safe and appropriate to do so.