Remember last winter? Mayer Hardware manager Dennis McCarthy does. Have you checked your shovels and roof rakes? Does the snow blower start? "Definitely more people looking to get ready this year, ahead of the game, rather get caught off guard."
Our area saw snow in the air, on the roads, sidewalks and driveways. Snow is a sign of the season.
"People were in today buying shovels, ice melt, rock salt, snow blowers, just trying to keep everything from getting too slick, and, starting the piles,’ said McCarthy.
He recommends you consider more than one shovel.
"There are usually two different types, a pusher and then a shovel. The pusher helps you push the snow around and the shovel's for when you've got to scoop it up and stack it somewhere."
An ergonomic shovel, with the angled handle, can be easier on your back, too.
What's new this year? McCarthy points to roof rakes.
"TruTemper made some new ones this year that we got in, with some really durable handles that are extending so you don't have to get out all the different poles and try to fit the ends together."
McCarthy can teach you about ice melt, which varies by price and product blends. He says his customers are stocking up early this year, buying bags of rock salt.
"Particularly in the warmer snow temperatures - usually in the low 30s into the 20s - you can get by with some salt. Even when it's colder than that, it's good for traction: If you're in a spot where you're just really worried about getting something down so that it helps people grip a little bit."
Potassium chloride and calcium chloride were popular here last year with the cold weather and snow, said McCarthy. Both work in lower temperatures, and blending them with other materials can lower the price.
Another sign of winter McCarthy noticed were customers preparing their cars.
"Obviously, snow brushes with the scrapers on the end, one of the most useful tools up here. You could even have a small bag of salt or ice melt, just in case you get stuck on some ice.”
He adds, if your vehicle needs better traction, 70-pound tubes of sand can help.
The Mayer Hardware manager offered an additional suggestion: “One of the most neighborly things you can do is dig somebody out if they're stuck, so a small shovel. I've used mine more times than I can remember."
