Depending on where in the country you are, you’re most likely dealing with the aftermath of a winter storm, preparing for a winter storm, or sneering at your friends in other regions saying, “What’s snow?” While local governments handle ice melt and snow removal for the roads, you’re in charge of clearing and treating your own driveway and walkways. What’s the best equipment to use?

With snow shovels, the best brand and model doesn’t matter as much as choosing the right design and material for the area you’ll be shoveling and the type of snow typical for your region. Here’s a video from our colleagues down the hall at Consumer Reports about the different styles of shovels and how to pick one that works for you.

If you have more territory to clear, they also have a guide (no subscription needed) to types of snow blowers and what you should know and look for before you shop for one. Again, the key is knowing yourself, your property, and the snow typical for your area.

After you’ve cleared the snow or if you’re expecting an ice storm, the next step is to put down some ice melt to prevent ice from accumulating and your household and guests from slipping.

When deploying ice melt, here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Clear the snow first. See above.
• Apply the crystals evenly. You can buy spreaders for this purpose, or scatter it yourself using a small cup or your (gloved!) hands.
• Remember what the surface below the ice is. Note the chart above: not all ice melt types work well with asphalt or newly poured concrete.
• Watch out for your plants and pets. Clean their paws when re-entering the house, and choose gentler, pet- and plant-safe options if they’re effective in your climate.

5 Best Snow Shovels [Consumer Reports]

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