The Sun Will Come Out: Let The Great Dig Out Begin!

At 11:20 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 9, the sun peaked through the storm clouds.

And it was good.

After 24 hours of snow and wind and cold, the Great Blizzard of 2013 has ended in Belmont. 

And now begins the next great task: moving the snow out of walks, steps, driveways and sidewalks. 

The Highway Division of the Belmont Public Works Department wants to remind shoveler not to throw snow back into the roadway as it reduces the width of the street and causes dangerous icing on the blacktop. 

In addition, people venturing outside to shovel need to be aware of possible health risks associated with strenuous activities. 

Stefan Russakow, Belmont's Director of Health, advises residents to follow information provided by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, including:

• Be careful when shoveling snow. Over-exertion can bring on a heart attack –a major cause of death in the winter.

• Wear a hat, as most body heat is lost through the top of the head.

• Watch for signs of frostbite: loss of feeling and white or pale appearance inthe extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, seek medical help immediately.

• Watch for signs of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms are detected, get medical help, as soon as possible.

• Do not become a ‘spectator’. Continue to stay off streets and roads to allow plowing and clean-up operations to proceed smoothly.

• Help dig out fire hydrants and storm drains in your neighborhood.

The complete list is provided in the pdf file on this web page.