Let It Snow! New Tools Make Clean Up Safer and Easier

Electric shovels, snow-melting mats make clean up a snap.

ByABC News via logo
January 20, 2011, 10:51 PM

Jan. 20, 2011 — -- With a fresh wave of storms hitting the Midwest and Northeast, winter-weary folks are gearing up to dig their way out from yet another snowstorm.

Not only can shoveling be onerous, it can be dangerous, too.

According to a new study in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, shoveling snow can raise heart rates to dangerous levels after just two minutes.

Wall Street Journal writer Wendy Bounds appeared on "Good Morning America" today to discuss the newest tools – including electric shovels and snow-melting mats – that help make snow cleanup easier and safer.

Today's shovels have gotten a makeover. Rather than just a piece of steel on a stick, they have curved handles and deep scoops for shoveling or pushing snow while putting less strain on your heart and back.

How many of you leave work, come out of the train station and find your car is covered with snow?