Summer Safety - Lawn Maintenance

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

Take Safety Precautions to Ensure Summer Fun

Summer is in full swing, and that means long days, BBQ, fireflies, days at the lake, popsicles, and running barefoot in the grass.

After a winter of laying dormant, your grass probably needs some attention. As you break out the lawn mower and other maintenance equipment, don't let safety fall to the back of your mind.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are over 60,000 injuries that require treatment by hospital emergency rooms every single year due to unsafe operation of power lawn mowers. These injuries occur not just to adults, but to children, too. Instead of becoming a statistic, here are some recommended ways you and your family can be safer while mowing the lawn:

- Maintain your lawn mower. Change the oil, replace the spark plugs, change the air filter, and have the blades sharpened. By keeping your lawn mower in good condition, you’ll help ensure safer operation, increased lifespan of your mower and, of course, a better looking lawn.

- Before you start your lawn mower, check your yard for tree branches and sticks, toys, rocks, dog feces, and more, as they can harm your lawn mower or you.

- Make sure the motor is completely turned off prior to refilling the gas tank of your mower. Fuel fumes in a garage or shed may cause you harm, so it’s important to get the lawn mower into open air before refilling the tank. Never refill near an open flame or burning cigarette.

- Wear protective glasses to prevent debris from entering your eyes. If the noise of the mower is loud, wear earplugs to protect against noise, but not so much so that you can't hear what's happening around you.

- Though mowing your lawn happens mainly during warmer weather, never wear open-toe shoes while mowing the lawn.

SERVPRO of Mesquite hopes you and your family have a wonderful and safe summer!