2 Die After Snow Blowing In Canton, Rochester Hills On Saturday
CANTON (WWJ) - At least two people in metro Detroit died over the weekend after snow blowing.
In Wayne County, authorities say a 70-year-old Canton man likely had a heart attack while blowing snow on Saturday.
In Oakland County, a 55-year-old Rochester Hills man also died Saturday after he'd been snow blowing/plowing the driveway during the afternoon Sheriff's officials say family members found the victim unresponsive and not breathing in his bedroom about two hours after he'd finished with the snow. He was pronounced dead at Crittenton Hospital.
The Rochester Hills man had no known health issues, according to his parents.
Autopsies will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death in both cases. The men's names were not immediately released.
Health experts say everyone should take their time while shoveling or blowing snow, be sure to drink lots of water and take frequent breaks — especially when show is heavy and wet.
The National Safety Council offers these additional tips to shovel safely.
- Do not shovel after eating or while smoking
- Take it slow and stretch out before you begin
- Shovel only fresh, powdery snow; it's lighter
- 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
Those who experience any heart-related symptoms while shoveling should call 911.
Show fall totals across the Southeast Michigan region ranged from 8 to 11 inches during Sunday's massive winter storm.
