Summer is here. The last thing you want to think about right now is snow. But, this is the perfect time to plan for next winter's snow removal. This is especially true if your elderly parents live on their own. Snow can be especially dangerous for the elderly. Because of that, you need to make sure that you have snow removal plans in place before the first snowfall. Here are four steps you can take to protect your elderly parents next winter. 

Hire a Snow Removal Service

If your parents live in an area where snow is commonplace during the winter, hire a snow removal service. You don't want to wait until winter to arrange for snow removal. Snow removal services get busy as soon as the first snow hits. If you wait too long, you may not be able to get your parents the help they need. Before winter arrives, sign up for a snow removal service. That way, your parents won't need to wait to have their snow removed. Be sure to make arrangements for the snow removal service to come by at least twice a day to remove snow. 

Enlist the Neighbors

During snowstorms, driveways and sidewalks can be a problem. Even with snow removal service, there may be times throughout the day when sidewalks and driveways are dangerous. This is especially true when snow falls throughout the day. To make sure your parents are safe, enlist your neighbors. Arrange to have neighbors come over and clear the snow before it becomes a risk for your parents. This is especially important when you don't live close enough to help your parents with snow removal. 

Stock Up on Supplies

Snow buildup can be a real safety risk. That's why it's important you keep snow removal supplies on hand for your parents. Even if you've enlisted the neighbors, your parents will still need snow removal supplies on hand. Before winter arrives, be sure your parents have a good supply of ice melt. You can buy bags of ice melt from your local home improvement store. It's also important that your parents have at least one snow shovel for their neighbors to use. 

Prep the Sidewalks

If you want to protect your parents from snow-related accidents, prepare the sidewalks. Icy sidewalks can be especially dangerous for the elderly. To protect your parents, you want to keep the sidewalks clear of snow and ice. One way to do that is to install sidewalk awnings. That way, snow stays off the sidewalks. Snow-melting mats are another way to keep your parents' sidewalks clear of ice and snow. You can place the mats right on the sidewalks. The mats use heat to melt the ice and snow to create a safe surface to walk on.