Tip of the Day: How to safely use your snow blower

As of mid-December, the area around our Yonkers, New York, home base has received only a dusting of snow. But other parts of the country have already been dumped on, which means that millions of folks have schlepped out their snow blowers. These wintertime workhorses can certainly make easier, faster work of driveway and sidewalk clearing, but as with any outdoor power equipment, they pose some inherent risks.

So before you crank up your snow blower, read and follow our safety tips and these from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute:

• Read your owner's manual thoroughly and understand all of the recommended safety procedures before starting your snow blower.
• Before the snow hits, remove doormats, sleds, boards, wires, and any debris from the area you'll clear to avoid clogging the chute and damaging your snow blower. These objects will be hidden from view once they're buried beneath the snow and could become dangerous thrown by the snow blower and could potentially injure bystanders.
• Handle gas carefully. Avoid spillage by using nonspill containers with spouts. Store gas in a clean, dry, ventilated area—never near a pilot light, stove, or other heat source. And don't smoke around gasoline.
• Don't let your kids operate the snow blower. And keep people and pets away from the area you're clearing.
• Don't clear snow across the face of slopes and use extreme caution when changing directions on slopes. Don't try to clear steep slopes.
• Never run the snow blower without good visibility or light. Be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the handles.
• If you have to repair your machine, remove an object, or unclog built-up snow from the auger blades or chute, always turn the snow blower off and wait for moving parts to stop. When cleaning snow use the supplied snow-removal tool or a broom handle, and never put your hands into the chute or near the auger. If you need to work on the machine, disconnect the spark plug wire or, for an electric snow blower, unplug the cord.—Ed Perratore

Essential information: Read our report on snow blowers and use our interactive feature "Snow blowers: Which is right for you?" to find the best snow blower for your home.