Snow Shoveling Safety Tips – Feb. 23, 2026
Every year in the United States, over 11,000 people are treated in emergency rooms for snow shoveling injuries, most commonly for chest pain, back injuries, and hypothermia. About 100 people die each year primarily due to heart attacks triggered by the extreme physical exertion in cold temperatures.
2026 Spring Home Maintenance “To Do” Checklist
Get your house & yard in great shape!
- Clean up yard debris
- Fertilize your lawn
- Get your lawn mower ready
- Inspect your property for dangerous trees/branches
- Consider spraying and feeding your trees
- Wash or pressure wash anything outside that accumulated dirt or mildew over the winter. Sidewalks, siding, decks, etc.
- Replace your air conditioning filter
- Have air-conditioning system serviced.
- Have your septic tank inspected and pumped by a professional.
- Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Change your Furnace’s filter at least every three months (or when dirty)
- Inspect your roof. Check for any signs of damage that should be repaired.
- Turn on/test your sprinkler system. Once the temperatures stop going below freezing you can open the water valve inside your house if it was turned off for winter.
- Test your Sump Pump. [Related article: amfam.com]
- Switch back the direction of your Ceiling Fans if you reversed them for winter. Make sure the fan turns counter-clockwise.
- Vacuum the lint from your dryer vent.