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Friday, Jan. 17, 2025

Can putting cooking spray on a shovel make snow removal easier?

Por Jaijongkit, The Colorado Sun
yes

Applying cooking spray to a shovel can help keep snow from sticking to it, easing the task of clearing sidewalks and driveways. Coating a shovel with vegetable oil or wax has the same effect. 

Other tips to make snow shoveling easier include dressing for cold weather, making sure your equipment is comfortable to use, warming yourself up before starting to shovel and tackling wet, heavy snow in layers, taking breaks as necessary. Snow shoveling can put an intense strain on the heart, rivaling maximum treadmill activity in tests. The American Heart Association estimates hundreds of deaths related to snow shoveling occur in the U.S. annually.

Many Coloradans are bound by local laws requiring property owners to clear their sidewalks within 24 hours of a snowstorm for pedestrian safety. Colorado law also prohibits depositing snow on public roadways. Crosswalks, intersections, entrances and exits must also be kept clear. 

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