Plan ahead for snow, ice removal needs

Keeping sidewalks or driveways free of ice and snow this winter means using the right equipment and materials.
Consumer Reports says it pays to be prepared by having a snow blower or shovel, but you also need to be aware of safety and medical issues when handling them.
The same thing goes for de-icing chemicals that can damage a driveway, walkways, steps, and even your yard if the wrong ones are used.
“Surface is the biggest thing,” said Rick Reynolds, owner of Reyonlds Snow Plowing and Equipment in Uniontown.
According to Reynolds, snow plows can only be used on paved surfaces along with snow blowers, which are also effective on an unpaved surface as well as a shovel.
For people with medical concerns or conditions, Reynolds suggests using a snow blower.
If possible, Reynolds said it’s best to use de-icers or snow melt materials ahead of time as a barrier to help prevent freezing on top of the surface before it hardens.
“It’s better to be proactive than reactive,” said Reynolds.
Based on last year’s brutal winter, which had widespread shortages of ice melt in many regions, Consumer Reports said it’s wise to stock up.
It’s also recommended to store unused deicers in an airtight container or heavy-duty trash can out of reach of children and pets.
Consumer Reports listed the most common ice melts include calcium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride and sodium chloride (rock salt).
Reynolds recommends using calcium chloride on a cement driveway or walkway so that the material won’t damage the surface.
For black top, Reynolds said rock salt is effective for temperatures between five and 10 degrees or to use sodium chloride if it dips down below zero.
However, Reynolds warned against using sodium chloride near grass because it will burn it.
Sand is also an option, but Reyonlds said it can easily be tracked indoors.
For those in need of snow removal services, Reynolds recommends to get a business lined up before the snow hits.
When de-icing, Consumer Reports recommends the following tips:
n Clear any snow accumulations using a shovel or snow blower.
n Use a wheeled or handheld spreader to ensure that you apply ice melt in a thin, even layer and rinse the spreader between uses.
The material can also be sprinkled by using a cup or by hand with the use of gloves and then spreading it out with a broom or flush it with water.
Some experts even recommend that applying the ice melt before a storm.
n Protect surfaces by following the application amount on the product packaging. If you’re concerned about surface damage and want to increase traction on your driveway or walkways, consider other options, such as kitty litter, sand, or sawdust.
Magnesium in any form, especially magnesium chloride, is very damaging to concrete, the experts warn.
n Never use an ice melt on concrete that’s less than 12 months old because it needs time to cure and settle. Opt for sand or gravel to add traction.
– Avoid spreading ice melt around plants and getting it on the lawn.