Over 200,000 Americans are injured in lawn mower incidents each year.  Safety and proper procedure is vital when using a lawn mower, be it an old-fashioned push mower, electric, gas, or ride-on.  

You may occasionally mow your lawn yourself, or you might be lucky enough to have a teenager in the house who needs to learn the value of hard work.  If you or someone you love is going to be doing any work in your yard, please take note of these safety precautions:

 Check Your Lawn:

• Before you mow your lawn, inspect it fully for toys, sticks, rocks, dog feces . . . anything that could be dangerous if it was flung about or became entangled in the blades.  Not only could it damage your mower, it could hurt you.
• Put pets safely out of the way.

 Check Yourself:

• Even though it may be hot outside, it is advisable to wear long pants to protect your legs from flying debris.
• Goggles are also recommended, especially when using trimmers or edgers.
• Wear sturdy shoes, not sandals.  Never mow the lawn barefoot.
• Wear sunscreen and a hat.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid heatstroke and dehydration.
• Take breaks if you need them.

 When Using a Gasoline Powered Mower:

• Fill the tank before you start, and never fill the tank while it is still hot from use.
• Keep gas cans and any fumes away from the exhaust pipe, as the could ignite.
• Do not keep your gas can or lawn mower near your water heater, as fumes may ignite.
• Never pull the mower towards you.
• ALWAYS turn off the mower and disconnect the spark plug before unclogging it or making any adjustments.  Some gasoline mowers can start if the blade it rotated, even if the power is off.

 When Using a Ride-On Mower:

• Never allow a child to ride on your lap.  They could fall off and face severe injury or even death.

 When Using Hedge Trimmers, Weed Trimmers, or Edgers:

• Wear goggles to protect your eyes.
• NEVER use these tools for trimming things above your head.  Use a cherry-picker.
• Always disconnect the power when advancing the line or dealing with tangled cords.

When Working in Heavily Wooded or Overgrown Areas:

• Wear long sleeves and pants to protect from poison ivy or oak.
• Be aware that critters may be hiding, so make lots of noise and beat around the area with a tennis racket or bat to scare them away.
• When done, remove clothes promptly and wash them, and shower yourself, to wash off any possible irritants.
• Routinely check your body and your pets for ticks.

General Safety:

• Never put your hands or feet near the running blades.  If attempting to adjust or unclog the mower, make sure it is turned off and power disconnected.
• Never leave mowers or power tools running.
• Just be smart and careful!