6 SAFETY TIPS
Ladies, there's no shame in delegating the snowblowing to a male in your household (or even another household, if you've got that kind of pull).
But we're here to tell you that the snowblower not only isn't anything to fear, it's actually a whole lot of fun. If you've never operated one, here are our six key tips.
1) Start Right
Start with a sound mind and body. That means that you shouldn't get behind a snowblower if you've been drinking or taking any medication - over the counter or prescription - that can have a sedative effect. But it also means that if you're rushed, stressed or angry, step away from the blower. Wait until you're a little more right headed, or outsource to that male household member we mentioned earlier.
2) If It's On, You're Working
Once you turn that snowblower on, stay behind it. You can't step a foot to the side to grab something, bend to adjust your boot, or do anything other than pay attention to that big hulking machine. This is for your safety, since it's easy to get a piece of clothing caught when you're not paying attention. But it's also for the safety of other people, pets or critters who might happen along.
3) Check Your Direction
A good rule is: don't snowblow toward anything you care about. So obviously that goes for people and pets, since it's easy for a chunk of ice or a rock to get picked up by the machine and turned into a torpedo. But it includes your home, car, and garage. Ice and debris launched by your snowblower can damage your car's finish and your home's siding or paint. So point the thrower away from anyone or anything you would prefer not to see dented.
4) Fill Only When Cool
You can pull your car into a gas station, turn her off, fill her up, and you're back on your way. Not so with your snowblower, which needs time to cool down completely before you add gas. Top off the tank before you ever start the machine.
5) Be Careful
Snowblowers are super convenient, and there's an argument to be made that they've got some health benefits when compared to shoveling, since you aren't likely to throw out your back or suffer a heart attack operating a snowblower. Then again, you're unlikely to dice your digits using a shovel. So it's important to show some healthy respect for the machine. Even if you think it will make the machine work harder or faster, do not for one second think about disabling any of your model's safety features - don't take off any guides, shields, or the like. And read the manual front to back. It's worth the time to save a limb.
6) No Fingers Near The Chute
This seems obvious, but then again, people keep doing it,. Do not, under any circumstances, try to clear out a blockage or clean the snowblower with your hands. If something's stuck in there, and you feel compelled to tinker, first turn the thing off. Then use a long implement (think the end of a shovel) to get in there -- never, ever, ever, your body parts.
AND if you never want to see a snowblower again in your life, THINK ABOUT MOVING TO PHOENIX, ARIZONA!!
www.paulpaich.com
paulpaichrealestate@gmail.com
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