Snow is great for skiing or for children to romp around in, but it can cause major problems in and around the home. Excessive snowfall can result in everything from a cracked chimney to a collapsed roof. What's more, the energy required to clean up after a major snowstorm can trigger health problems or even result in a heart attack.

Be prepared. Deal with a snowstorm is before it arrives. It's futile to take measures in the middle of a blizzard. Stay on top of weather conditions by tuning into a local radio or television station. Know the difference between winter storm watches and warnings. A winter storm watch means a storm is possible in your area. A storm warning tells you that it's headed your way.

Have a plan. If you are in an area of the country that is subject to frequent snowfall, put together a disaster supply kit for your home in a clearly labeled, easy-to-grab box. The kit should include a battery-operated radio, a flashlight, extra batteries for both the radio and flashlight, canned food, a can opener, first-aid supplies and bottled water.

It's also a good idea to have a kit in the trunk of each car used by members of your household. Include blankets, extra sets of dry clothing, a shovel, sand, tire chains, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, and a brightly colored cloth to tie to the antenna. And don't forget to winterize the cars before the storm season. While it's important to have your vehicle equipped with these safety measures, it is best to avoid traveling by car in a storm.

Where the home is concerned, minimize the amount of snow that collects on the roof by periodically removing excess amounts with a shovel. Use extreme caution when working atop the roof and never shovel directly on top of the roof material as this will likely damage it. The load caused by excessive amounts of snow buildup can damage the roof framing system or, in some cases, cause it to collapse.

An ice dam can also lead to significant damage. Ice dams form when melted snow freezes at the edge of the roof. The ice traps melting snow from above which creates a reservoir that allows water to back up between the shingles and result in a leak. The leak travels through the ceiling or along both interior and exterior walls. There are many ways to prevent an ice dam. Metal roofing, sheet metal ice belts, electrical heat tape and rubberized sheets are a few.

Another effective method of preventing an ice dam is with insulation. Tightly insulated walls and ceilings will hold heat inside the home, keeping it from rising into the attic, heating the underside of the roof and melting the snow. Snow at the roof's edge is not affected by this heat because it is usually above unheated space. The key is to keep the underside of the roof cold from eave to ridge. This is best done with unobstructed eave ventilation and another source of passive attic ventilation such as a ridge vent.

Personal health and safety are major concerns after a snowfall. According to the American Red Cross, accidental deaths occur most frequently in January, when an estimated 1,000 people die from falls outside the house.

To increase safety of family, friends and neighbors, keep your walkways and driveways free from snow and ice. Snow blowers and ice-melting granules make the process much easier and less physically demanding. Act early. It's easiest to remove snow immediately after a snowfall, before it becomes packed or turns to ice. You can help prevent ice from forming by spreading ice melters when heavy wet snow, sleet or freezing rain begins. Reapply later after removing any accumulation. Calcium nitrate or a garden fertilizer containing urea is effective, and you won't ruin the soil or harm or kill shrubs and trees.

A major health concern is shoveling. Don't shovel snow if you don't exercise regularly or if you have a history of heart problems or obesity. Unless you exercise regularly, don't shovel snow if you are older than 55. The strain from the cold and hard labor can cause a heart attack. If you must shovel, do it properly. Do it slowly. Lift small amounts using proper posture to prevent back strain. Keep your back straight and lift gently from the knees and hips. Don't throw or fling snow over your shoulders. Take frequent breaks and stop immediately if you feel pain or become short of breath.

Dress for cold weather. Wear a hat. Fifty percent of your body heat is lost through your head. Also, dress in layers. You can take off a layer if you get too warm. Woolen pants will keep you warmer than jeans, corduroys or sweatpants. Don't forget to wear long underwear to pull moisture away from your skin. Wear gloves or mittens and replace wet clothing immediately.

Finally, drink hot cider, soup or broth. They warm you and provide nutrients and energy. Coffee and tea, so popular on cold days, actually cool the body. Drinking beverages with alcohol or caffeine will make you more susceptible to hypothermia.