Winter forecast calls for smarter snow removal options

Who could forget the challenges of last winter? The 2010/2011 winter season went down in the record books as one of the coldest and snowiest for many parts of the United States. Snowstorms shattered such major cities as New York City in December and January to create the snowiest January ever recorded and, in the process, left thousands of people stranded, not just at airports but in their own driveways. With snow continuing to accumulate faster than many people could clear it using traditional snow removal methods, many people were stuck at home, unable to get to work or even to the grocery store.

Unfortunately, in looking at forecasts for the coming winter season, it appears that many Americans may again be facing the same challenge. According to AccuWeather.com, even though temperatures may be milder this year, there will be plenty of white stuff to get in our way, starting already in December and, in some areas, as early as November. Among the cities cited for above-normal snowfall this year are Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Detroit, Cleveland, Omaha, Seattle and Portland.

The good news, despite the dismal forecast, is that there are more and better choices when it comes to snow removal options today. That's especially good news for the estimated 76 million baby boomers now living in the United States who benefit the most from ergonomically designed products that have the greatest potential to ease aching backs and joints and put less strain on the heart.

Snow blowers are available in a wide array of sizes and configurations and eliminate the need to shovel. The electric versions are more limiting as a result of the cord and only work for smaller properties. Gas or electric, the problem still remains that if the snow blower won't start, you will likely be late for work.

Also helpful are the newer de-icing products which, when sprayed on the pavement prior to snowfall, can actually help prevent hard ice from forming. Even snow shovels have evolved. Many today feature deep scoops manufactured from light polyethylene and curved handles for less back strain. The newer snow sleighs or pushers also help eliminate the need to lift heavy snow.

For homeowners with longer driveways, however, many of these options are not practical as they still require too much time and can overstrain the back and cause excessive exposure to the frigid temperatures. For these people there is a smarter option that became available around the same time that last year's winter wallop hit. The HomePlow by Meyer, which this year is available in three different models starting as low as $2,399, offers a number of unique advantages that make more traditional snow removal tools obsolete.

The simple-to-install and operate HomePlow easily mounts to any standard SUV, light pickup truck or utility vehicle to allow even the longest driveways to be cleared in a matter of minutes. A primary appeal, especially when compared with shoveling or use of a snow thrower or tractor plow, is that the HomePlow is operated from the inside of the vehicle. This allows users to safely and comfortably clear their driveways via a remote control without exposure to the cold and snow.

The patented Auto-Angling system controls the direction of the blade without need for any manual adjustment. It senses the weight of the snow and automatically angles to push snow off to the side. The Quick-Link receiver mount easily slides into a Class 3, two-inch front receiver hitch that allows the plow to be connected or disconnected in less than a minute without the need for any tools. And since it weighs less than 250 pounds, it moves easily on its caster wheels when it's time to store it away.

"We talked to a lot of consumers about their snow removal habits to determine what people liked and didn't like about their current options," said Andrew Outcalt, president of Meyer Products. "The most common complaints were about the amount of time and effort it took to complete the job, as well as exposure to the cold, wet snow."

Should you decide that this is the year you're going to plow your driveway yourself, Outcalt offers the following tips to help ensure a more successful plowing experience.

* Choose a plow that does not require any manual adjustments, so you can stay safe and warm inside the vehicle while plowing.
* Mark the edges of the driveway with identifiable stakes or markers so it's easy to see where the driveway ends and the yard begins.
* If you have a gravel driveway, consider purchasing plow shoes that elevate the blade off the surface.
* Make sure the blade is suitable for the surface you are plowing. Use a rubber edge to minimize noise and help protect decorative surfaces.
* Some plows, like the HomePlow, are sold with an optional poly deflector. This is beneficial as it keeps blow-back snow off the windshield.

To learn more how you can safely, reliably and comfortably keep your driveway clear this winter, visit thehomeplow.com.