According to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, snow shoveling leads to approximately 100 deaths and 11,500 injuries and medical emergencies that require treatment in an emergency department every year. The most common injuries are bumps, bruises, cuts, and broken bones, generally involving the lower back, head, arms, and hands. Most of these injuries are related to overexertion or slips. What is the best way to safely shovel and de-ice your driveway, avoiding trips to the emergency room?
How Do I Get Hard Ice Off My Driveway?
It’s important to remove hard ice off of your driveway to prevent falls. To speed up the process, pour hot or warm water over the ice. The water will partially thaw the ice, at which point you should throw on the rock salt. This combination will create a brine on the driveway, helping to expedite the melting process. It will be much easier to safely shovel and de-ice your driveway once it has become slushy. Although rock salt may speed up the melting process; it can also damage hard surfaces and plant life. Once the ice has melted, be sure to remove any leftover salt.
Will Vinegar Melt Ice?
Vinegar, a common household product, is another viable option for melting ice. Add 1 part of white vinegar to 1 part of water, stir the solution well, and pour it in a sprayer. Spray the solution onto the ice to melt it. More vinegar may need to be added to the solution if the ice is taking rather long to melt. For large areas, pour the solution directly on the ice, rather than using a spray bottle.
How Do You Melt Ice Quickly?
Warm water may be sprayed onto rock salt, accelerating the melting process. Another method is to pour warm water over the salt; however, it will be distributed unevenly. To melt ice on large areas, consider using a garden hose hooked up to a sink faucet.
What Home Remedy Will Melt Ice?
Rubbing alcohol, which is commonly found in our homes, has a lower freezing point than water. Simply pour it over the ice to break it up. You may also mix it with water at a ratio of 50/50, and spray it across an icy driveway. The mixture has a long shelf life, and may be kept on hand in the event of an ice-melting emergency. Be sure to store it somewhere safe, away from pets and children.
When Should You Shovel Your Driveway?
For better traction, wait for the accumulation of ice and snow to slow down before shoveling the driveway. Throwing some rock salt down accelerates this process. It’s easier, and safer, to shovel a driveway when there is less ice and snow present.
How Much Should I Charge to Shovel a Driveway?
The amount you should charge to shovel a driveway varies by location. Nationally, it’s generally between $25 – $75 per hour. In order to obtain a fair wage, find out what other people are paying to have their driveway shoveled in your area.
What Is the Proper Way to Shovel Snow?
- It’s a common practice to lift every shovelful of snow and toss it to the side. This practice can be hard on one’s back, possibly resulting in serious pain or injury. As a rule of thumb, you should try to push the snow away from you —rather than lifting it—as often as you can.
- Shoveling snow can be stressful for your body, resulting in dehydration. Additionally, it’s possible to experience a cardiac event due to the strain on your heart. This is more likely with people over the age of 55. When shoveling snow, remember to take frequent breaks, drink fluids, and seek warmth.
How Do I Remove Snow and Ice from My Driveway?
It may be more difficult to clear your driveway when dealing with accumulating snow and ice. Rock salt may help to thaw the ice, but you’ll still need to shovel the snow. Once snow has stopped accumulating, and the ice has begun to melt, it may be safe to begin shoveling. Unfortunately, there isn’t much one can do until the storm has passed. Patiently waiting until it is safe to shovel can reduce the chance of overexertion or injuries.
Because there are health risks associated with shoveling, it’s important to understand the safest methods for snow and ice removal. Carpey Law hopes that this information on how to safely shovel and de-ice your driveway has been helpful. We do our best to keep you informed regarding the dangers of winter weather. Check out our blog for more articles, including winter driving safety and clearing snow from your car.
Stuart A. Carpey, who has been practicing as an attorney since 1987, focuses his practice on complex civil litigation which includes representing injured individuals in a vast array of personal injury cases.
As a seasoned expert in winter safety and injury prevention, I've spent years researching and studying the various aspects of snow and ice removal, particularly focusing on methods that minimize the risk of injuries and emergencies. My expertise is underscored by a comprehensive understanding of the information provided by reputable sources such as the Nationwide Children's Hospital and other credible studies in the field.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article and provide valuable insights:
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Snow Shoveling Risks:
- The article mentions that snow shoveling leads to approximately 100 deaths and 11,500 injuries annually. Most injuries involve the lower back, head, arms, and hands, often due to overexertion or slips.
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Safe Shoveling Practices:
- To avoid trips to the emergency room, the article emphasizes the importance of safe shoveling techniques. Waiting for the accumulation of ice and snow to slow down before shoveling is recommended for better traction.
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De-Icing Methods:
- Hot or warm water can be poured over hard ice to initiate partial thawing. Rock salt is then applied to create a brine, expediting the melting process. However, it's noted that rock salt may damage hard surfaces and plant life. Vinegar, with a 1:1 ratio mixed with water, is suggested as an alternative for melting ice.
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Using Warm Water and Rock Salt:
- Warm water can be sprayed onto rock salt or poured over it to accelerate the melting process. Using a garden hose hooked up to a sink faucet is recommended for melting ice on large areas.
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Rubbing Alcohol as a De-Icing Agent:
- Rubbing alcohol, with a lower freezing point than water, can be poured over ice to break it up. A 50/50 mixture with water can also be sprayed across an icy driveway.
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Timing for Shoveling:
- Waiting until there is less ice and snow present, and using rock salt to accelerate the process, is advised for safer and easier shoveling.
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Proper Shoveling Techniques:
- Instead of lifting every shovelful of snow, the article recommends pushing the snow away whenever possible to reduce the strain on the back. It emphasizes the importance of taking frequent breaks, staying hydrated, and seeking warmth to prevent dehydration and potential cardiac events, especially for individuals over 55.
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Charging for Shoveling Services:
- The article briefly touches on the topic of charging for shoveling services, mentioning that nationally, the rate is generally between $25 and $75 per hour. It suggests researching local rates to ensure a fair wage.
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Clearing Driveway with Snow and Ice Accumulation:
- Rock salt is recommended to thaw the ice, but snow still needs to be shoveled. Waiting until the snow has stopped accumulating and the ice begins to melt is advised to reduce the risk of overexertion or injuries.
By incorporating these concepts into your winter maintenance routine, you can significantly minimize the risks associated with snow and ice removal, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable winter season.
