Lawn maintenance safety tips from HFD

Since grass will be growing long into the fall season, Homewood Fire Chief John Bresnan recommends the following safety tips when maintaining your lawn.

• Try to use a mower with a control that stops the mower from moving forward if the handle is released.
• Children younger than 16 years old should not be allowed to use ride-on mowers. Children younger than 12 years old should not use walk-behind mowers.
• Make sure to wear the correct shoes. Do not wear sandals or sneakers, and do not go barefoot.
• Prevent injuries from flying objects, like stones or toys, by inspecting the lawn and picking up objects.
• Always wear eye and hearing protection.
• Make sure children are away from the area being mowed.
• Start and refuel mowers outdoors, not in a garage or shed. Mowers should be refueled with the motor turned off and cool.
• Make sure the blade settings are changed by an adult with the mower off and the spark plug removed or disconnected.
• Do not pull the mower backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary, and carefully look for children behind the mower before mowing in reverse.
• Always turn off the mower and wait for the blades to stop completely before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute, or crossing gravel paths, roads or other areas.
• Never allow children to ride as passengers on ride-on mowers.
• Keep your body hydrated while working in the heat.

-Submitted by Homewood Fire Department