More than homeowners were digging out. Doing it safely is key.

Many parts of Metro Detroit received a foot-and-a-half of snow putting the storm at third largest snow storm in Detroit's history.   While the snowfall came to an end early Monday morning, cold temperatures and wind gusts picked up.  While streets were blanketed with snow, businesses, schools, universities and government offices all came to a halt.  So did some plows as they tried to clear the streets.

     Picture taken by homeowner as chains are connected to a stuck plow.

A foot of snow is a tough job for the road crews, and an even tougher ones for residents.  Adding the extremely cold temperatures makes the situation more dangerous. When removing snow, it is important to begin by dressing appropriately in light, layered, water-repellent clothing. It is also important to wear the appropriate head covering, thick, warm socks and gloves or mittens, and shoes or boots with slip-resistant soles.

Although bending and lifting of heavy snow can put you at serious risk for injury, clearing snow places a great deal of stress on the heart.  According to the 2013 US Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 28,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries that happened while shoveling or removing ice and snow manually.  More than 6,000 people were injured using snow blowers.

The groundhog notwithstanding, it doesn’t look like winter will being loosening its grip any time soon.  While shoveling snow may not be a problem for most people, the American Heart Association put together a list of tips to help you stay safe this winter.

Shoveling snow can strain your heart and back. If you have a medical condition, do not exercise regularly, or are middle-aged or older, speak with your doctor before shoveling or snow blowing.

Warm up your muscles for 10 minutes before shoveling.  This can include warm-up stretches and flexing exercises or by walking for a few minutes or marching in place. Remember to stretch the muscles in your arms and legs, too.

Start early. Clearing snow early and often, especially when a large snowfall is anticipated, helps lighten the load and avoid potential injuries that come with moving packed, heavy snow.

Take it slow, pace yourself and take breaks. Take frequent rest breaks and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.  In very cold and windy weather, 15 minutes of shoveling should be followed by 15 minutes of rest.

Listen to your body. Do not work to the point of exhaustion. Stop if you feel pain or observe heart attack warning signs. These may include chest pain as well as shoulder, neck or arm pain; dizziness, fainting, sweating or nausea; or shortness of breath. If you think you're having a heart attack, seek medical help immediately.

Lighten the load with the right snow shovel.  Use a shovel that is comfortable for your height and strength. Do not use a shovel that is too heavy or too long for you. As a general guideline, the shovel (blade plus handle) should be elbow height when standing upright.  It is safer to lift smaller amounts more times, than to lug a few huge shovelfuls of snow.

Proper lifting.  When possible, push the snow instead of lifting it.  Remember, the wetter the snow, the heavier it is.  If you must lift:

• Squat with your legs apart, knees bent, and back straight.
• Lift with your legs. Let the muscles of your legs and arms do the work, not your back.
• Never bend at the waist.
• Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it.
• Do not twist or throw snow over your shoulder or to the side as this requires a twisting motion that stresses your back.
• Turn your feet to the direction you’re throwing.  This will help prevent the lower back from twisting.

Don't eat a heavy meal prior or soon after shoveling. Eating a large meal can put an extra load on your heart.

Don't drink alcoholic beverages before or immediately after shoveling. Alcohol may increase a person's sensation of warmth and may cause them to underestimate the extra strain their body.

Carry your cell phone.  It is important to have your cell phone so you can make a call in event of an emergency.

A snow blower will obviously make the job easier, but it too comes with risks. Here are some important safety tips when using a snow blower.

Understand your machine. Read the instruction manual prior to using a snow blower. Be familiar with the specific safety hazards and unfamiliar features.

Safe fueling. Never add fuel when the engine is running or hot. Fuel your snow blower outside, never in a garage or enclosed area.

Pull-cord safety. To start a machine with a pull-cord, hold the cord firmly and stand with feet wide apart in a broad stance. If the cord does not move freely, do not force it. Sharply pulling a nonmoving pull-cord may cause an injury to your upper body or back.

Proper supervision. Do not leave the snow blower unattended when it is running. Shut off the engine if you must walk away from the machine.  Never let children operate snow blowers.

Never stick your hands in the snow blower! If the snow blower jams, turn it off and wait more than 5 seconds. Use a solid object to clear wet snow or debris from the chute.  Keep your hands away from the moving parts; beware of the recoil of the motor and blades after the machine has been turned off.

Watch the snow blower cord. If you are operating an electric snow blower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times. If the cord becomes caught in the machine and is severed, or comes in contact with the engine and burns, you could receive a shock or become electrocuted.

Mark Bello is the CEO and General Counsel of Lawsuit Financial Corporation, a pro-justice lawsuit funding company.