Expert Snow Strategies to Help You Weather Winter’s Worst

Don’t let the forecast dampen your seasonal spirits—a little forethought goes a long way when it comes to clearing away snow from your home, driveway, or car.

Choose Your Tools Carefully!

There are a variety of snow tools available that can help you reach the top of your car, clear your gutter and roof, remove heavy, dense snow, or even break up ice. Search our snow tools page to explore your options! Remember to keep a spare shovel in your car in case you have to dig yourself out while you’re away from home. We recommend using a telescoping car shovel that can fold down for compact storage.

If you have uneven pavement—particularly on sidewalks—using a shovel with a plastic blade will help keep the shovel from catching in the cracks. Also be sure to keep ice melt or sand on hand to prevent cleared areas from getting icy after all your hard work!

What’s the Plan?

Once you’ve got the equipment you need, it’s time to strategize. Evaluate your roof and gutters for potential problem areas, park your car someplace safe where it won’t get plowed in or block access to your home, and be sure walkways and sidewalks are cleared of debris for everyone’s safety. Try to avoid driving or walking on the snow before you get started, as packed snow is harder to clear!

Roofs, Gutters, and Stairs—Oh My!

If you have snow accumulating on accessible areas of your roof or gutters, try to clear it as soon as possible to avoid potential strain or damage to your home. Use a telescoping roof rake or similar tool and be sure to remove only what you can safely reach. Next, clear all walkways and stairs and apply ice melt to keep them accessible.

Clearing a Car

Start by shoveling a path to your car, then work from the top down using a tool that won’t scratch paint, such as the Telescoping Car Sweeper from Suncast. Remove snow from the roof of your vehicle as well as the driver-side door. Next, turn the car on and run the heat and defrost to make the rest of your work a little easier. Once the car is cleared, dig out around your tires and the area around the car.