UNDATED (WSAU-WRN) If you’re clearing away snow from yesterday’s storm, make sure to take it easy on yourself. “If you aren’t the most active person the world, or have history of heart trouble, make sure you’re talking to your doctor even before you’re going out and doing this kind of thing,” said Tod Pritchard with Wisconsin Emergency Management.
“If you’re feeling tired, like your heart is beating strong, you just don’t feel right, stop. Take a deep breath, take some time off, don’t push yourself.
Up to a foot of heavy, wet snow fell across a significant portion of Wisconsin — and there are almost certain to be some emergency room visits resulting from heart attacks and back injuries.
Even if you’re using a snowblower, you still need to play it safe. “The classic problem in these kinds of wet, heavy snowstorms is the snowblower getting jammed up, and someone sticking a hand in there to try to clear it out. Never, ever do that,” Pritchard said.
It’s also important to dress appropriately, and to make sure you’re adequately hydrated, before you tackle that sidewalk or driveway.
