Blizzard Of 2015: Digging Out Safety Tips

BOSTON (CBS) - The Blizzard of 2015 left two-to-three feet of snow across southern New England and authorities want you to be careful as you dig out Wednesday.

Check: Blizzard Snow Totals

"In a fire seconds count," State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan said in a statement, "so help your fire department protect you and your neighbors by removing snow from nearby fire hydrants."

Coan also recommends you clear out all of the snow from emergency exits at your home or business.

Gallery: Viewer Snow Photos

And remember to be careful when shoveling out the car.

Make sure the tailpipe is free of snow before you turn on the engine.  You should also crack the windows to prevent carbon monoxide build-up inside the car.

And don't forget to clear the drifting snow from those furnace and dryer vents.  That will prevent flue gases from backing up into your home and creating a CO hazard.

When shoveling remember to get inside and take several breaks. There is a potential for exhaustion, dehydration, back injuries, or heart attacks.

You should keep your back straight, lift with the legs and do not turn or twist the body when shoveling.

The U.S. Department of Labor has a great deal of safety information after a blizzard on its website.

And finally, don't shovel the snow back into the streets.