6 common home snow removal mistakes you don't want to make

About 11,500 injuries related to snow shoveling occur each year, according to a study by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Ohio. Whether you choose to remove snow with a shovel, snowblower, or even a snow broom, avoid injury and clear winter weather more efficiently by avoiding these common mistakes.

You skip the prep work

Before winter precipitation arrives, remove obstacles like sticks, doormats, cords and toys from your yard and pathways.

Store snow removal equipment in an area that's easily accessible upon snowfall. Place any safety gear, such as safety goggles or gloves, nearby so it's ready when needed.

If using a snowblower, identify a clean-out tool or stick you can use once winter arrives to unclog snow or debris.

You neglect seasonal maintenance

Before storing your snowblower in the spring, it's important to drain the gas tank or fill it with stabilized fuel. Fuel that is more than 30 days old can separate and cause operating problems. If you forgot this seasonal maintenance task, you'll need to empty the gas tank.

Before refueling your snowblower, double-check that you're using the right type. According to a survey conducted by Outdoor Power Equipment Institute of 3,075 adults, one in five outdoor power equipment owners misfuel their equipment.

You wait for snow to stop falling

It might seem counterintuitive, but shoveling in stages, rather than all at once, is both safer and more efficient. As snow piles up, it becomes heavier to lift, causing additional strain on your back and arms. Shoveling more frequently also prevents ice and snow from freezing to the ground, which can be more difficult to remove. Depending on the amount of expected snow, it can also be faster to clear snow twice with a snowblower rather than trying to tackle multiple feet at once.

You ditch the manual

The manual that comes with your snowblower shouldn't be ignored. It contains important guidance for safely handling the machine. "Now is also the best time to review your owner's manual and operating procedures," says Kiser. "You should know how to operate the controls and how to quickly shut off the snow thrower." If you can't find a copy of your snowblower's manual, oftentimes it can be found online.

You disregard furry friends

Before removing snow from your home's exterior, make sure all pets are safely inside. When spreading deicers (also called ice melts) on walkways and driveways, consider four-legged friends. Even if you don't own a pet, neighbors rely on sidewalks to safely walk dogs in the winter, and some ice melts can injure pets, including skin irritation and vomiting or diarrhea if ingested.

To minimize the risk of ice melts, look for pet-friendly varieties, which typically contain urea as a substitute for harmful chemicals. No ice melt is completely safe for pets, so remember to wipe their paws of any salt after walks and keep packaging out of reach.

You focus solely on walkways

Walkways are an obvious snow-removal must. But as precipitation piles up, so does the pressure on your home's roof. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, consider purchasing a roof rake to help with snow accumulation. Their long, telescoping handles extend so you don't have to climb a ladder in inclement weather, and their blade eliminates snow from the roof to prevent structural damage. Remember to clear pathways to all doors, as well, even if seldom used.