Heavy snowfall has been the focus of weather reports on the evening news in many parts of the country this winter. So hard hit are some areas that folks are stranded, unable to back their cars out of their driveways. And, those are the lucky ones. Some people can't even find their cars beneath all the white stuff.

Snow is great for skiing or for children to romp around in, but it can cause major problems where the home is concerned. Excessive snowfall can cause a cracked chimney or a collapsed roof. What is more, the energy put forth to clean up after a major snowstorm could trigger health problems or even result in a heart attack.

One of our dad's favorite sayings was, "Don't send a boy to do a man's job." Another: "Whenever possible, use your head instead of your back." For today's heavy snowfalls, we know that dad would have recommended bringing in the "big gun" a snow thrower. Besides being a real timeserver, a snow thrower can prevent many serious health risks associated with shoveling snow by hand.

Unfortunately, using a snow thrower is not without danger. Approximately 6,000 consumers receive hospital emergency treatment annually for injuries sustained while using one. A majority of these injuries occur when people place their hands where they don't belong - the machine's auger area _ trying to clear out snow and debris. If you stick your hand in the collector or discharge chute, you run the risk of severely injuring your hands or fingers, and even amputation.

When operating a snow thrower, keep the following safety tips in mind:

Stop the engine if you need to make a repair or adjustment. If you need to unclog the chute or auger, use a push stick or something similar. Don't use your hands.

Keep feet and hands away from any moving parts.

Keep the gasoline can capped and store it out of the house. Add fuel to the tank outdoors before starting the machine and not when the engine is running or hot.

Shut down the engine if you must leave the equipment for any length of time.

Check the snow thrower each time you need to use it and refer to the owner's manual for care and maintenance.

If your snow thrower is electric, always know where the power cord is located.

On smaller jobs where a snow shovel is all that is needed, remember that you shouldn't be the one to shovel if you don't exercise regularly or if you have a history of heart problems or obesity.

Furthermore, unless you exercise regularly, don't shovel snow if you are older than 55. The strain from the cold and hard labor might cause a heart attack. If you must shovel, do it properly. Take it slowly. Lift small amounts only 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 shoulder. 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.

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 cold weather emergencies such as hypothermia.

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 easier to remove snow immediately following 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 an effective alternative to a chemical deicing compound. Your won't ruin the soil or harm shrubs and trees.