With recent snows, the Nassau County Department of Health reminds residents to follow certain basic rules when using a snowblower. The most important rules are to READ the owner's manual and give the snowblower a thorough safety check before using. Here are additional safety tips to keep in mind:

• Always disengage the machine's power drive and stop the motor before making adjustments.
• Always shut off a snowblower if it becomes clogged with snow or objects before trying to clear the machine.
• Use a stick or other device to clear an obstruction - do not use your hands.
• Keep children and pets away from the snowblower as stones and other objects are often thrown by the machine's whirling blades.
• Work carefully and keep your hands, feet and clothing well away from the machine's working parts.
• Be sure of your footing, especially when operating the snowblower in reverse gear.
• Never leave a snowblower running and unattended.
• Make sure the discharge chute is not aimed at passing pedestrians or vehicles.
• Prevent explosions and fires by never adding fuel when the engine is running or hot.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by not running the machine while it is indoors.
• To prevent shock, electrically-powered snowblowers should only be operated with three-wire, grounded extension cords and plugs.
• Know how to shut the machine off quickly, if the need arises.
• When purchasing a snowblower, look for safety features such as a shield on power-driven parts