Snowblower Safety Tips: How To Avoid Injury This Winter

TIVERTON, RI — With snow in the forecast again on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, it's important to remember to stay safe when clearing driveways and sidewalks. The Tiverton Police Department shared several snowblower safety tips from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand to prevent injury this winter.

According to the society, the most common snowblower injury is amputated fingertips. To avoid this, never try to clear blocked snow with your hand, instead use a broom handle or stick. Spraying the snowblower's blades and chute with cooking spray can help prevent clogging in the first place. When snowblowing, work quickly, since the machine will be less likely to clog the faster the pace.

Injuries are most common with six inches or more of heavy, wet snow, in temperatures of 28 degrees or higher, the society said. When the snow is heavy and wet, it's best to snowblow several times, rather than wait until the snow stops falling.