Emsco Group 1174A6 Bigfoot Collapsible Car Lightweight Aluminum-Polyethylene Scoop Trunk Shovel, Snow

 Emsco Group 1174A6 Bigfoot Collapsible Car Lightweight Aluminum-Polyethylene Scoop Trunk Shovel, Snow

• Collapsible space saving shovel - this snow shovel is perfect for the car. It quickly disassembles and can be stored in very tight spaces.
• Lightweight and durable scoop - made from polyethylene and aluminum, this shovel takes nothing to lift and you won't lose fuel mileage by keeping it in your car. It's incredibly tough and weather-resistant.
• Telescoping handle - the handle can go from 28-36" Giving you a variety of lengths thanks to the fast Pin locking mechanism
• Rescue yourself from emergencies - the bright, safety Orange shovel is very visible when you are having a roadside incident or when you get stuck at the end of the driveway.
• Great multipurpose tool - not only can you get yourself out of snow but this scoop can be used to shovel all kinds of materials such as soil, gravel, grain and more.

The best tips to remove the ice from your car and the entrance to your house

Filomena has taken us all by surprise and the beginning of 2021 will be remembered by unprecedented snowfall. School closings, car damage, downed trees, possible shortages ... and, of course, lots of snow. While people play in the streets of the whole country, throw balls and take the opportunity to make dolls as if instead of Spain we were talking about Lapland , the authorities warn that it is better to stay at home and that you must be careful with snow (and ice ) from balconies and vehicles: better to remove it sooner rather than later. However, if after several days of unprecedented snowfall you are already a little familiar with the situation, you will have found that it is not as easy to get rid of it as you might have thought. For this reason, we leave you some tips and tricks so that it is not an impossible mission.

To clean ice and snow from the car

Without damaging the body, of course. The weight of the snow can cause damage , so it is best to remove it as soon as possible , especially since, when it turns into ice, it is more difficult to remove. The most important thing is that you do not use hot water, as you could damage the glass: use a scraper. Don't activate the windshields either. Some scrapers are heated, making them even more useful for removing ice. To speed up the process and defog the windows, turn on the air conditioning and be patient.

A useful trick is to place the accumulated snow in a large bucket and melt it in a bathtub of hot water

To clean a balcony

The Civil Guard warned: the snow must be removed before it turns into ice from balconies and terraces, because according to the architecture design they could have problems supporting the weight.

The best way to remove snow is to use a broom, shovel, or rake . Of course, before throwing it out on the street, check that no one is passing by (especially if you live in a building), and try to throw it away to avoid it falling, for example, on the terrace below. A useful trick is to place the accumulated snow in a large bucket and melt it in a bathtub of hot water. It seems unlikely that we will have a Filomena again , but if you want to prevent snow from accumulating in the future you can always consider buying a sloped awning.

To clean the way out of the house

Likewise, it was also advised to clear the entrances of the houses to avoid problems when leaving due to the accumulation of snow. The most advisable thing is to remove it with a shovel or a broom and then sprinkle salt, just to prevent ice from forming. House salt used in cooking works well, and the reason it's so important to add it is because salt water needs an even lower temperature to freeze. If the snow in the driveway has turned to ice, add salt and kitty litter on top. You may have to do it several times What if it has turned to ice? Pour kitty litter over the salt, you may have to do it several times if the area freezes again, but it is important, as ice on sidewalks or steps represents a serious safety hazard. When going out, be very careful and do it only if it is strictly necessary. You can help yourself with ski poles and there are also accessories that can be placed on the boots to give more grip and avoid tripping.

Walk taking short steps and lean forward, safety is the most important and nobody  wants to end up in the emergency room in this time.

34” Folding Emergency Snow Shovel – Rugged Compact Tool for Car, Snowmobiles, or ATV – Compact Winter Survival Gear - Skiing Camping Mud Avalanche - Collapsible Multifunctional - Red

 34” Folding Emergency Snow Shovel – Rugged Compact Tool for Car, Snowmobiles, or ATV – Compact Winter Survival Gear - Skiing Camping Mud Avalanche - Collapsible Multifunctional - Red

• READY FOR WINTER: winter preparation is very important when it comes to traveling during the snowy months. A reliable and lightweight snow shovel is a must whether you’re driving to work, snow camping or snowmobiling in the back country. Our snow shovel is the perfect tool for all your winter wonderland adventures or emergencies
• LIGHTWEIGHT & HEAVY DUTY: the lightweight aluminum construction allows you to easily maneuver the shovel when shoveling snow, dirt, mud, sand, etc. It also makes it the perfect shovel to carry when camping, back packing or snowmobiling. Designed with high quality aluminum ensuring you have a heavy duty shovel no matter what
• COMPACT & COMFORTABLE: innovative folding design allows the shovel to quickly and easily collapse so you can attach to a backpack or stow away in your car, SUV, RV, truck, ATV, UTV or snowmobile. Easily packable for backcountry skiers or snowboarders.The shaft of the shovel extends to give you extra leverage while the rubber, textured handle gives you extra grip
• MULTI-FUNCTIONAL USE: our snow shovel is great for shoveling snow but also works great with other natural elements including sand, dirt, mud, mulch, etc. It’s the perfect tool to take 4-wheeling, backpacking or camping during the spring and summer months.
• COMPACT SMALL EMERGENCY SNOW SHOVEL. DIMENSIONS: Extended Dimensions: 9" Width x 34.25" Length x 2.4" Height; Compact Dimensions: 9" Width x 22" Length x 2" Height; Weight: 2 lbs. PATENT PENDING

Remove the ice with salt and other less dangerous methods

Avoiding an accident caused by low temperatures is the main cause that leads the authorities to remove the ice with salt on the roads, something that you will surely also do at home.

Removing the ice with salt is a very widespread practice in Spain, but it is nevertheless prohibited in other cities of the world more accustomed to low temperatures during winter. There are more recommended alternatives that can help you keep your entrance free of ice to prevent it from becoming a skating rink.

How to remove snow and ice from your home

There are many techniques aimed at removing snow and ice in your home in order to avoid dangerous accidents due to slipping. In Spain, the most used method in both the public and private spheres is salt, but it is not the most recommended. We will talk to you about salt and two other techniques!

Pallas
The best way to remove snow from any surface is to use a shovel . The work will be greater, but with it you will avoid throwing products on the ground that could damage its composition and that could be harmful to the animals and plants that inhabit them.

With your shovel you will not remove the ice, but the snow that with low temperatures will end up becoming a slippery surface . This is a preventive action to prevent accumulation during a snowfall from becoming a major problem.

Sand
One of the main alternatives to the use of salt and chemical products to promote the thawing of surfaces is sand . It is a relatively simple element to obtain, although its price is much higher than that of salt. By depositing it on any surface, you will achieve better traction, both for your shoes and your car if you have to put your vehicle in or out of the garage and the ramp is icy. Gravel and sand make access much less dangerous for people and cars.

On the other hand, the main problem with the use of sand is that its subsequent disposal is complicated and will require more time to clean your access roads to the house and garage. In addition, during the thaw or rain, it will travel to your drains and can cause blockages in the pipes of your home.



The salt
It is the most used way in Spain to melt snow and ice that accumulates on sidewalks or driveways to garages and buildings . Its main advantage is that this mineral is simple to use and, above all, very cheap. Its effect is quick and helps avoid  unnecessary accidents due to slipping.

But, salt also has many disadvantages, as it is not as environmentally friendly as it should be. Salt contains ingredients that modify the mineral properties of the soil, which is why salt can affect plants and reduce their absorption of water .  But it is not only dangerous for plants, it can also be dangerous for those animals that feed on the vegetables that have grown in this soil that has been sprinkled with a good amount of salt because it increases its concentration of this material.

Salt is very corrosive and is capable of oxidizing metal surfaces , therefore, it is especially harmful to cars that circulate on roads that have been treated with sodium chloride. It is recommended, if you have traveled with your vehicle on tracks where salt has been applied, that you wash it thoroughly when you arrive at your destination to prevent the salt from damaging your car. In addition to your car, the corrosive power of sodium chloride will affect the tiles, stone and wood surfaces of your home.  In some northern European cities such as Berlin, the use of salt to dissolve ice and snow is prohibited, so its citizens must resort to other alternative methods.

Snow Joe SJ-SHLV01 Shovelution Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel | 18-Inch | Spring Assisted Handle

 Snow Joe SJ-SHLV01 Shovelution Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel | 18-Inch | Spring Assisted Handle

• Shovel: made of a durable, impact-resistant blade
• Handle: the spring-assist handle acts as a fulcrum – changes mechanics of shoveling, reduces strain
• Easy to use: gives lifting leverage to the lower hand to lift greater loads with ease
• Ergonomic: design improves posture, reduces the need to bend.Handle Length:41.3 inches
• Material Type: Steel

How to remove snow if you do not have a shovel: effective methods to melt ice and snow

The great snowfall due to this storm has left unique prints in cities like Madrid and many are those who took to the streets to enjoy such an unusual phenomenon.

But after the emotion of the moment, the truth is that the great accumulation of snow that has fallen in much of the territory has left dire consequences for many, such as trapped drivers, transport cuts and power outages.

To this is also added the polar cold wave that has arrived after the storm  and that is leaving temperatures with extreme minimums that threaten to turn all the accumulated snow into dangerous and sliding ice.

The Government and the authorities have recommended staying at home and removing accumulated snow from balconies and terraces to avoid damage to structures or that once it has been converted into ice it can detach and fall on pedestrians.

Practical tips to combat the snow after the passage of the storm Filomena

Many residents have already taken to the streets to clear their entrances, cars or access to snow shops.  But next to this picture is that of those whom Filomena and the cold have caught totally unprepared, and who wonder how there are so many people prepared with shovels in their homes to combat the effects of the storm.

If you are one of these and are still wondering how to clean your car or sidewalk without a shovel, here are some effective ways to melt ice and snow.

- Look for shovel-like tools like rakes or brooms

It is clear that the best thing to remove snow is a shovel. But other tools in your home can also be effective in the absence of these.

You can remove the snow by raking it or even sweeping it.

The broom will be especially effective for confined spaces such as the door of your house or driveways, especially if  the snow is fluffy and the layer formed is light . For more efficiency, opt for a straw or hard cedar brush if you can.

If it has turned to ice, try a pick or some other gardening tool that can help you break it down.

And once the snow or ice is removed, do not throw it into the street unguarded, as you could harm someone walking down the street. If it is your balcony, accumulate the snow or ice in a bucket and then leave it in the bathtub so that when it thaws it goes down the drain.

- A plastic card can help you with the ice on the windshield

More common than having a shovel is to have an ice scraper in the car to remove the layer of ice that usually remains on the windshield on colder winter nights.

If you have one of these, you can also use it to break ice off small areas such as a balcony, an air conditioner, or stair steps.

If you don't have an ice scraper either, Mapfre advises that you can remove the ice from your car's windshield with a plastic card without fear of scratching it.

- Alcohol can also help melt ice on your windshield

From the website of the insurer also they indicate that alcohol is another suitable product for melt ice or snow from the windscreen.

According to its indications "it can be applied directly on the glass or mixed with water (the mezcal would be: two parts of alcohol and one of water) to be able to easily remove the ice". 

- Salt for areas where there is a light layer of accumulated snow

Adding salt can also be an effective remedy against snow.

As such it will not make it disappear, but it will prevent it from turning into ice, since what this compound does is lower the freezing point temperature of the snow even more.

The salt you have at home will do, but to be effective there should not be a very large layer accumulated, this method is best for those areas where the snow has not been caked.

And never use salt on floors with plants or garden areas as this compound can harm the environment.

- Beet juice as a sustainable alternative to salt

As has already been pointed out, the salt spread on streets and highways to avoid frost has in the long run a harmful effect on ecosystems.

A sustainable alternative to this compound is beet juice. Not only does it have no impact on the environment, but the mixture is capable of withstanding temperatures down to -28C, which makes it much more effective than salt against ice.

The idea may be curious, but it is already being used in icy countries like Canada, after a company in Ontario discovered by chance the antifreeze capacity of beets, as La Vanguardia explains .

- If you use hot water, sweep the area so that it does not accumulate

Hot water can be an easy way to melt snow or ice if you don't have the right tools.

It can be very useful to quickly clear the entrance of your house or get rid of the accumulated snow in your yard.

But after doing so, be sure to sweep up the water and even dry the excess with a towel so that it does not turn back to ice  if the temperatures remain low. Best, then add salt to make it harder for ice to form.