John Bendall owner of Re/Max Classic Group offers advice on playing it safe in the snow.

Here in Central New Jersey we woke to the season’s biggest snow storm.  While that’s really not saying much in light of the very mild winter that we’ve had so far, it was certainly enough to close schools and encourage whoever could to stay home.  The snow is expected to continue throughout most of the day changing to freezing rain late in the afternoon.  So weather you plan to spend the rest of the day making a snow man or shoveling the driveway here are a few tips on cold weather safety.

Shoveling the driveway – Okay we all know you should lift your back, shoveling the driveway is one time you should really do it.  Also try to avoid twisting motions as these are the most likely to give you a soar back.  Take it easy, make sure you take frequent breaks and don’t over do it. Shoveling snow is vigorous aerobic activity and should be done in moderation, especially if you don’t work out regularly.

Playing – Make sure everyone is dressed properly for playing in the snow, especially small children, who are particularly prone to frostbite because their bodies loose heat quickly.  Make sure children wear helmets while ice skating or sledding to avoid head injury.  Make sure that sled runs do not end at a street, many children are hit by cars when they can’t stop their sled from going out into the road.

Around the House – Make sure heating vents are not covered and that there is an exit and a path from the home cleared for emergencies.  Check to make sure that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order, winter months are more prone to fires and the presence of carbon monoxide as we put our heating systems through the paces.

On The Road – Try to avoid driving if you can, if you must be out on the road wait until plows and salt trucks have been out to do their job.  Go slow and leave plenty of extra time to get where your going, the last thing you want to do in bad weather is be in a hurry.  Taking it slow will also allow for less aggressive use of the breaks, which should be used lightly to avoid skidding.  Keep a shovel and a bag of kitty litter in your trunk in case you get stuck.

Enjoy the snow day and stay warm!

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