Last winter the snow didn't seem to stop falling, and unfortunately, not all of us were prepared for those winter storms. This year we've put together five essentials to have this winter so that you're equipped for the worst Mother Nature can dish out!
The Old Stand-By
Snow shovels come in various sizes and types. It's important to look for efficiency and ease of use when choosing one. There has been an increase in the use of ergonomic shovels over the last decade, but this is not the type of shovel for you if you are more of a snow pusher or tosser. Bent handles on these models can make the act of pushing harder and tossing snow can be difficult due to the extended handles on these models. A shovel with a short handle makes snow throwing easier. Models with longer handles are better for pushing. Make sure to choose a shovel with a plastic or fiberglass handle to avoid heavy lifting. When you're in the store, take the time to test out the shovel so you know it feels comfortable in your hands. The bottom line is you want more than one shovel; one for light snow and one for heavy snow. Make sure to be safe when shoveling, lift with your knees and take breaks occasionally.
When Hitting the Road…
With wintertime, comes an increased possibility of our cars breaking down. It's never a good time sitting and waiting for roadside assistance to arrive in freezing temps. Make sure you get your car serviced prior to the deep freeze. Maintaining optimal fluid levels throughout the winter is essential. Once you have your winter servicing completed you can easily maintain and top-off fluids like antifreeze yourself by always having some on hand in your garage. It's best to buy a 50-50 mix of coolant to water for your vehicle. Don't give your car 100% antifreeze/coolant, since it actually has a higher freezing point than the 50-50 mixture. There are two primary coolants on the market today. The traditional, green colored antifreeze can be used in any car. The other type is a newer, long-life coolant, which comes in a variety of colors. This second type of antifreeze should only be used in recent-model cars.
When traveling in winter remember to pack your trunk with a shovel
Plan B
Having the power go out when the temperatures are below freezing is not only extremely inconvenient and uncomfortable, it happens more often than you think. To supplement your power supply should your electricity go out this winter, you will need a to purchase a generator for your home. There are two main types: the portable generator and a much larger installed unit. Expect to pay anywhere between $500 and $2,000 for a portable generator. If you're looking to power up items such as your heating unit, refrigerator and some lights, then 5kW to 8kW unit is what you would want to purchase. Make sure that you're stocked up on gasoline as well for the winter, since generators are powered by it and can go through up to 34 gallons of gas in two days. Installed units that can provide backup power for essentially you whole home, can run you $4,000 to $5,000.
Slip & Slide
Once you have shoveled all that snow, you will want to minimize the risk of slipping on anything you couldn't get up that turns to icy slick spots. The most common and cheapest melter is sodium chloride, more commonly known rock salt. Though it's more economical, it's harder on the environment and is not that effective at temps less than 15 degrees F. You will need to weigh the environmental liability with your own safety here. You just may be better off using them judiciously than injuring yourself in a fall. Oh, and don't fall for products that state that they're “all natural” or “animal friendly” since most of them are misleading and inaccurate.
Calcium chloride is one of the better choices for super-cold climates. It's a more environmentally friendly choice, and it's effective down to minus 25 degrees F.
Calcium magnesium acetate is a newer product on the market. It's salt-free and environmentally friendly, but it is the most pricey of the types we've mentioned.
Blown Away
Shoveling snow can be a very strenuous task, and when you have a lot of ground to cover, it seems the only sensible choice is getting a snow blower.
There are four distinct snow blowers you can choose from. If you're looking for something that is maintenance free that doesn't need oil changes and fill-ups, then an electric snow blower is your best option. Electric snow blowers are good for clearing up to 12” of light snow, and fit where larger snow blowers won't.
Next, a single-stage snow blower has a gas-powered engine that scoops up snow and throws it out a chute and out of the way. This type of snow blower cannot be used on gravely surfaces and is not ideal for battling over 12” of snow, however.
A two-stage snow blower is more ideal for taking on large snowdrifts. The auger on this style of blower doesn't touch the ground, so it can be used on gravel and concrete.
Finally, if you want something that is extremely powerful and efficient, choose a three-stage snow blower. This snow blower can cut through large mounds of snow and ice and toss it over 50 feet away.
