Shoveling the Driveway, Cleaning off the Car: Storm Aftermath

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Radar shows us the snow has moved past. So now it's time for shoveling the driveway and cleaning off the car.

Thursday's storm brought lots of snow — heavy, wet snow first and dry, light snow second. So dress correctly before you go out — temps are dropping and the job isn't going to be quick.

Here are some useful tips:

• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack - a major cause of death in the winter. Use caution, take breaks, push the snow instead of lifting it when possible, and lift lighter loads. If you have heart problems, high blood pressure, or other medical conditions, follow your doctor's orders about shoveling snow or performing any strenuous exercise outside.
• Even healthy adults should remember that their bodies already are working overtime just to stay warm, and should dress appropriately and work slowly when doing heavy outdoor chores.
• Snow is not to be plowed, shoveled or blown into the street. Please don't do it; please do inform the person who plows or shovels for you.
• Remember to do your bit of public sidewalk.
• When clearing your driveway, pile the snow to the right of the direction of traffic flow so that the mound does not get pushed back into your driveway by the plow.
• Clear the snow from around any fire hydrant near your home to allow the fire department to respond more efficiently in an emergency.
• Before you get in the driver's seat and hit the road, check to be sure that your vehicle's tailpipe is clear of snow. If the tailpipe is blocked, carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, and deadly gas produced by your engine can build up quickly inside your vehicle, poisoning anyone inside.

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General tips about being outside when the temps are frigid:

• Dress in light layers so you can adapt to temperatures. Wear a hat; most of your body heat is lost through your head. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Wear insulated, waterproof footwear.
• Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat.
• If you will be spending time outside, do not ignore shivering - it is an important first sign that your body is losing heat and a signal to quickly return indoors.
• Keep in mind that alcoholic beverages cause the body to lose heat more rapidly.
• Older adults are especially susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite. People who have older relatives or neighbors should keep an eye on them during the cold, winter months.
• Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia that can be a serious medical condition: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.
• Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, and waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.

Sources: Village of South Nyack, Rockland County Health Department, NY Metro Area Red Cross