Whichever snowblower you use this winter, there are some basic steps that will help keep you from becoming a statistic. It is important for you to read and understand your operator’s manual before using the snowblower.
There are several things that you should do before turning on your snowblower. 
First, inspect the area where the snowblower will be used. Second, remove any objects that might be thrown or picked up by your unit. Third, do not wear loose clothing that may get tangled in a snowblower's moving parts. Fourth, wear ear plugs or other hearing protection. Fifth, keep children and pets far away.
It is important to look over your unit before using it. Take care of basic maintenance needs as described in the operating manual. Make sure you leave all safety features intact. If parts are damaged or lost, make sure to repair or replace it. If major repairs are needed, contact your service dealer.
Things to keep in mind before making any adjustments or repairs:
- Make sure your unit is off
- Remove the key
- Make sure all moving parts have stopped
- Disconnect the spark plug wire on gasoline units and keep it away from the spark plug accidental starting of engine
Things to keep in mind when you have a clog in your unit:
- Turn off the engine on a gas machine
- Unplug the motor on an electric model
- Wait for all moving parts to stop
- Use a clearing tool
- Never use hands or feet to clear a clog nor near the auger or the discharge chute
Things to keep in mind when you have to fuel/refuel your unit:
- Add fuel to the tank outdoors before starting a gasoline unit
- Do not add gasoline to a running or hot engine
- Do not leave the machine running in an enclosed area
- Wait until a gas model's engine is cool before refueling
Things to keep in mind if you have an electric snowblower:
- Use an outdoor extension cord
- Make sure your outlet has a ground-fault-circuit-interrupting protection
- Keep the cord safely away from the spinning auger while working
- Know where your power cord is at all times
- Replace worn or damaged cords
Other basic safety things to keep in mind:
- Do not touch the engine while it is running or soon after it has stopped because the engine may be hot enough to cause a burn.
- Protect yourself from carbon-monoxide poisoning by starting and running gasoline-powered snow blowers outside, rather than in your garage or shed.
- Make sure you stay behind the handles of your unit and keep your body and clothing away from moving parts.
Check out our Power Clear® 621 E Electric Start Snowblower
