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Health & Fitness

Managing Snow & Ice This Winter Season

By: Villages of Urbana

There’s no doubt Maryland’s climate is a unique one. With hot and humid summers and then sometimes blizzard-like conditions in the winter, we never know what each season will bring.  So far this winter, we’ve seen a lot of snow and ice.  If you’re new to Villages of Urbana and the Frederick area, or just the cold in general, here are a few ways to be prepared for the ice, snow, and chilly weather.

Invest in an ice scraper.

You won’t realize you even need one of these until you actually need one of these.  Investing in a sturdy and functional ice scraper will be a lifesaver after freezing rain or sticky snowfall.  Getting that thick layer of ice or snow off of your car’s windshields will be nearly impossible without it!

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Know how your pipes work.

With frigid temperatures common from December to March (polar vortex, anyone?) it’s a good idea to know what you can do to prevent your pipes from freezing.  Open your faucets to let them drip – this will keep the water moving and prevent it from turning to ice.  A burst pipe is a costly repair and means you’ll be without water for some time.

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Remember to use salt.

Use sidewalk salt, ice repellent, or any other product to keep your steps and sidewalks safe.  Believe it or not, kitty litter also works to increase traction if you have no other alternatives.  If you don’t make sure your walking paths are clear, you could end up with a bruised tailbone or worse!

Clear or remove heavy snow.

Snow, as pretty as it is, can be damaging to property if it becomes too heavy.  This mainly applies to tree branches and backyard fixtures.  Remove snow as soon as you see any bowing or bending, and you’ll be glad you did.

That being said, try not to go on your roof to clear snow.  Not only is this dangerous because of the freezing temperatures, but the risk of falling off and injuring yourself is far too high.  If you must clear the snow, use a roof rake to safely manage it from the ground.

Be cautious when driving.

Be extra careful when driving in snowy or icy conditions.  You may have 4-wheel drive but others might not, so be alert and cautious of the cars around you.  Also, tune into the radio or news station to see what areas are worse and try to avoid them.

Enjoy the snow!

Sure, now that it’s winter you might be craving summer.  But remember during summer when you couldn’t wait for snow?  Live in the moment!  Bundle up the family and go outside to make igloos, go sledding, or even battle it out in a snowball fight.  Come March, there won’t be any snow in sight!

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