Burlington, VT – As Vermont enters the winter and Christmas season, residents in Burlington are gearing up for the heavy, dense snow that often defines the state’s coldest months. While no specific storm is being forecast, snow removal is a near-daily reality in northern Vermont, and experts say preparation now can make the months ahead far safer.
A study by researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital reviewed national data from 1990 to 2006 and found 1,647 fatalities tied to cardiac-related injuries from snow shoveling. Due to the extreme physical strain involved, medical experts strongly caution anyone over age 55 to avoid heavy shoveling altogether.
According to winter safety specialists, residents can reduce the risks of snow removal by choosing tools and techniques that minimize exertion. Lightweight, ergonomic shovels allow users to push snow rather than lift it. Electric or battery-powered snow blowers make handling heavy Vermont snow easier, while long-handled roof rakes help clear eaves and prevent ice dams without climbing onto a slippery roof.
Officials also recommend treating surfaces before snowfall. Spreading sand or pet-safe ice melt early helps limit compacted snow and reduces refreezing, a common problem during Vermont’s overnight temperature drops. Applying a thin layer of melt after clearing can keep walkways safer through the following morning.
AAA advises keeping vehicle and home exhaust vents free of snow to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. They also emphasize working in short intervals, staying hydrated, and avoiding shoveling immediately after waking—when the heart is more vulnerable to exertion.
By preparing early and using safer tools and strategies, Burlington residents can better manage snow removal throughout the winter and Christmas season while reducing the risk of injury.
