We may be headed for a warm-up to near-normal temperatures this week, but last week’s wintry wallop is just the beginning of what we know is coming to Northeast Michigan.

The snow is beautiful, and it’s why Michigan — and especially northern Michigan — is known as the Winter Wonderland.

But it can also be dangerous.

Snow-shoveling kills an average of 100 people per year, according to the Weather Channel.

Especially when the snow is heavy and wet, the exertion of clearing our sidewalks and driveways can be fatal.

The National Safety Council offers the following tips:

∫ Do not shovel after eating or while smoking

∫ Take it slow and stretch out before you begin

∫ Push the snow, rather than lifting it

∫ If you do lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel

∫ Lift with your legs, not your back

∫ Do not work to the point of exhaustion

∫ Know the signs of a heart attack (pain and tightness in the chest that can spread to your arms, neck, and back, nausea, fatigue, light-headedness) and stop immediately and call 911 if you’re experiencing any of them. Every minute counts

Stay safe out there this winter, Northeast Michigan.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)