Winter has arrived, and there is no getting around snow. That's why doctors at Garnet Health are advising residents to take extra caution when going out into the cold to move snow, especially when it's wet and heavy. 

Vice Chairman of the Department of Radiology Victor Todisco said there are 3,000 to 6,000 hand injuries a year in the U.S. because of improper use of snowblowers, and those numbers have not decreased.

“You might sound like a silly thing who would put their hand in the chute or people do silly things, and what they may not realize is even if the snowblower is turned off, if it's clogged, there is tension there,” said Todisco.

Todisco said he's seen dozens of X-rays of mangled fingers of people who stuck their hand into the chute of a snowblower to try and clear a clog.

“Most snowblowers come with a tool to unclog the snowblower," Todisco said. "It's called the clear route tool. And if your machine doesn't come with it, you could buy this for $17 at any home store that sells them. You should never put your hand into the shoot. It's as simple as that.”

Medical Director of the Emergency Department for Garnet Health Matthew Meigh provided instructions on what to happen if an injury does occur.

“If that does, unfortunately, happen, what we recommend is obviously put pressure on the wound site," Meigh said. "If there's any loose fingers, bring them with you to the emergency department, put them on ice and then we can help provide care that you would need going forward.”

Meigh also said the public needs to protect itself from being out in the cold by staying hydrated, and recommends not shoveling snow if you are not physically fit.

“Heavy, wet snow is probably one of the worst propagators of cardiac disease. And so, if you're not physically fit and you're going to go out and shovel wet and heavy snow, your body is going to be taxed to the point where you potentially could bring on a heart attack,” said Meigh.

Health officials also advise the public to wear proper snow shoes when out in the snow to prevent anyone from falling, as well as wearing gloves while operating snowblowers.