Prepare for Snow with Shoveling Tips & Umbrella Insurance
Hats and puffy jackets are being pulled out of the closets for these terrifying twenty-degree mornings. The temperature says it’s time for winter, and some of us have even been hit with snow already! Stock up on shovels and gloves to prepare for the potential of more snowfall. We all hope that we aren’t invaded by an abominable blizzard in the... Read More
Hats and puffy jackets are being pulled out of the closets for these terrifying twenty-degree mornings. The temperature says it’s time for winter, and some of us have even been hit with snow already! Stock up on shovels and gloves to prepare for the potential of more snowfall. We all hope that we aren’t invaded by an abominable blizzard in the coming weeks, but here are some shoveling tips so you can remain safe while clearing out your driveway, just in case.
Warm Up – This might seem a bit ironic as you are planning to venture into the cold, but it might actually help you in the long term. Doing some light movement or stretching can assuage discomfort when you are outside and possibly prevent injury.
Use an Ergonomic Shovel – Using an old-fashion shovel would be an egregious mistake, especially if you have back problems. An ergonomic shovel alleviates back strain due to its contoured handle. Also, be mindful of how much you pick up as each shovel full of snow can weigh up to 20 lbs, according to AARP.
Use the Proper Shoveling Technique – Instead of lifting the snow and using your back, just push your shovel-load and pull strength from your legs. Never twist your body or attempt to throw snow over your shoulder in a hurry.
Take Breaks – Don’t force yourself to do more than you can handle. Every 15 minutes or so, sit down and have a drink. This will benefit your body in the long run because these small breaks can keep you going if you have a massive driveway.
While simple household tasks like shoveling might seem easy and second nature, it is always good to improve and learn more. At Encharter, we care about all of our customers and want to see everyone safe in their homes. What if your shoveling still left behind some ice? What would you do if the mailman or a guest were to slip and fall on your icy walkway? While your liability insurance included on your Connecticut home insurance policy will cover some of the costs if they were to sue you, it may also be a good idea to have added liability coverage. This would be a time when you would be happy you had Umbrella insurance for extra liability coverage. If that person were to suffer a permanent injury, for example, and he sued you for medical expenses, loss wages, etc. your homeowner’s policy may not give you enough coverage.
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