It’s wintertime and you know what that means – SNOW! And lots of it. Downtown Chicago and in the Streeterville neighborhood near temporary housing are just a few of the places that snow tends to pile up in the winter,forcing city officials,landlords or even residents to shovel the ice off the sidewalks. Many don’t know this,but shoveling snow,especially near short term rentals can be dangerous,especially for new residents not used to having to shovel. Here are some great tips for staying safe while you shovel snow this winter in Downtown Chicago.
Push the snow,don’t lift it
Many inexperienced snow shovelers in Chicago’s River North neighborhood think that lifting each pile of snow is the best way to clear sidewalks quickly. In reality,pushing the snow using the force of the shovel is a much easier way to do it,not to mention the fact that your muscles will thank you in the morning.
Don’t forget to take a rest
While it’s tempting to get all the shoveling done at once,especially when it’s super cold outside,it’s important to take breaks every 20 to 30 minutes to avoid getting overtired or too cold.
Drink water!
It might sound strange,because who needs water when you’re shoveling? However,in downtown Chicago,it’s important to remember that just like any other form of exercise,shoveling takes a lot out of you and will dehydrate you just as quickly. Drink plenty of water.
Spend the right amount on a shovel
Buying the cheapest shovel at the West Loop Home Depot might seem like the best way to tackle your icy issue,but if you’re going to have to do this with any sort of frequency,it’s worth considering that more expensive,well-designed shovels are easier to use and aren’t as hard on your body.