Tips to Survive Snowmageddon

Dr. Peter Antall, a doctor on Amwell, gives his tips for staying safe during winter storms.

How to prep for the big storm

• Be prepared with extra food, bottled water, formula (for infants); the essentials
• Identify a backup source of warmth, in the event that your heating goes out  - i.e. a wood stove, battery operated space heater
• Watch out for ice on your doorstep, drive way, or road (salt/sand where necessary)

How to Prevent Injury when shoveling

• Use a weight belt, if you have known back issues
• Use your legs – not just your arms and back
• Push, don’t lift the snow

If injured, you should

• Rest – stop what you’re doing to attend to the injury
• Apply heat to the location of the injury (this could be in the form of a heating pad, hot bath or shower)
• Take an anti-inflammatory medication
• See a doctor on Amwell.com or via the Amwell app, if the injury feels worse or you need a professional opinion