How to shovel snow and use ice melt safely

A single shovelful of wet snow weighs 15 to 20 pounds—meaning clearing an average driveway is equal to lifting several tons of weight in freezing air. Use the right technique and let chemical de-icers do the heavy work.

If you only do three things

1. Push snow like a plow instead of lifting and throwing it; if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or are over 55, take breaks every 10 minutes or ask for help.
2. Know your salt temperature: regular Rock Salt stops working completely below 15°F (-9°C). Below 15°F, you need Calcium Chloride or Magnesium Chloride.
3. Salt helps prevent ice from bonding to concrete: sprinkle a light layer of ice melt BEFORE the storm starts (anti-icing), not piled high on top of 6 inches of snow.

Interactive: Which ice melt or salt should I use?

Select the outside temperature and whether you have pets or new concrete to see which de-icer actually works:

Why snow shoveling causes heart attacks (and how to stay safe)

Every winter, emergency rooms see a spike in heart attacks during and right after heavy snowfalls. Breathing cold air constricts your arteries and raises blood pressure at the exact moment your upper body is straining to lift heavy loads.

• Shovel early and often: Pushing 2 inches of snow twice is far safer than lifting 8 inches of packed, wet snow once.
• Push, don't lift: Use a curved push-shovel to slide snow to the edge of the driveway. If you must lift, bend your knees, keep the shovel blade close to your chest (never at the end of outstretched arms), and fill the blade only halfway.
• Wait at least 30 minutes after waking up, and avoid coffee or nicotine right before shoveling (both constrict blood vessels further).
• Stop immediately if you feel chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or pain radiating into your jaw, neck, or left arm.

What if all stores are sold out of salt?

Sand, fireplace wood ash, coffee grounds, and NON-CLUMPING clay kitty litter do not melt ice, but they provide instant grit so you don't slip.

Important: Never use 'clumping' cat litter on snow or ice! Clumping litter is made of sodium bentonite clay, which turns into a slimy, greasy mud the moment it gets wet—making your steps even slicker.

Helpful winter preparedness gear

Related guides

• How to walk on ice without falling: The penguin walk and spotting black ice.
• Frostbite, hypothermia, and pets in winter: Recognizing cold injuries and protecting pets from road salt.