Richmond, VA – As Virginia heads deeper into the winter and Christmas season, Richmond residents are preparing for the occasional bursts of snow and ice that characterize the colder months. While no specific storm is being forecast at this time, winter weather can develop quickly in the region, and safety officials say now is the ideal moment to adopt smarter, safer snow removal practices.
A study from Nationwide Children’s Hospital examining national data from 1990 to 2006 recorded 1,647 fatalities tied to cardiac-related injuries associated with snow shoveling. Because the combination of cold weather and strenuous activity places major stress on the heart, medical experts strongly warn adults over age 55 to avoid heavy shoveling altogether.
According to winter safety specialists, selecting the right tools can significantly reduce physical strain. Lightweight ergonomic shovels help users push snow rather than lift it, while electric or battery-powered blowers can reduce the effort required to clear heavier accumulation. Long-handled roof rakes allow homeowners to handle roof edges and prevent ice dams without climbing onto slick surfaces.
Pretreating walkways and driveways with sand or pet-safe ice melt before a snowfall helps minimize compaction and makes clearing easier. Applying a thin coating of ice melt after snow removal can prevent dangerous overnight refreezing—common during Virginia’s fluctuating winter temperatures.
AAA also urges Richmond residents to keep home and vehicle exhaust vents cleared to avoid carbon monoxide buildup, a risk that increases when snow accumulates near structures. They recommend shoveling in short intervals, taking breaks, staying hydrated, and avoiding strenuous work early in the morning, when cardiovascular strain is highest.
Officials say that by preparing now and using safer techniques, Richmond homeowners can better manage winter weather throughout the Christmas season while reducing the risk of preventable injuries.
