The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1293358
C-6 Fall Home Improvement Wednesday, September 30, 2020 The Press-Dispatch STAY SAFE when landscaping Landscaping is typically viewed as a chore by homeown- ers, many of who enjoy doing some work on their lawns and gardens. But only few home- owners may recognize the po- tential dangers of lawn mainte- nance. The Consumer Product Safe- ty Commission reports that more than 230,000 people per year are treated for various in- juries resulting from lawn and garden tools. Common injuries include loss of fingers, lacer- ations, broken and dislocated bones, eye injuries, and burns. Many of these injuries are en- tirely preventable if homeown- ers prioritize safety when tend- ing to their lawns and gardens. Understand the equipment Homeowners should not as- sume they know how to use all of the tools necessary to main- tain lush lawns and bountiful gardens. Familiarize yourself with the proper operation of manual and motorized equip- ment by reading the owner's manual thoroughly, making spe- cial note of recommended safe- ty guidelines. Take some time to locate the power buttons and other parts by comparing them to illustra- tions in the guide. Once you feel comfortable handling the equipment, then you can begin to use it. Wear appropriate protective gear Failure to wear protective gear can lead to injury. Personal protective equipment includes gloves, eye protection, ear pro- tection, boots, and a hard hat if necessary. When working during visibility conditions or at night, wear a reflective vest. Other protective items in- clude a hat to shade your eyes from the sun's rays. Sunscreen will protect the skin from UVA and UVB radiation. Long pants and sleeves can guard against flying debris. Watch your surroundings Thousands of injuries occur to children and pets who get hurt around mowers. It's best if children and pets remain in- doors when homeowners are mowing or using other power equipment that may kick up de- bris. Children under the age of 12 may not have the strength or ability to operate lawn tools. Al- so, never make a game of riding a child on a riding mower. No- body under the age of 16 should operate riding lawn mowers. Get approval before digging It's difficult to know what is beneath the ground without having a property surveyed and marked. Digging without approval can result in dam- age to gas lines or water/sew- er pipes. Always check with the utility company before digging trenches or holes. Unplug or turn off all equip- ment When not in use, keep lawn equipment off. Do not try to re- pair or fix a snag or obstruc- tion in equipment while it is on. Don't modify the equipment in any way, such as removing pro- tective guards. Exercise caution with chem- icals Follow manufacturers' safe- ty instructions when using pes- ticides or fertilizers. Avoid ap- plication on windy days or right before a rainstorm, as this can spread the product and damage the ecosystem. Keep people and pets away from treated areas. Maintaining the yard is both a necessity and a hobby. Home- owners who prioritize safety can greatly reduce their risk of injury. FINANCING AVAILABLE! 1111 E Warrenton Rd | Haubstadt, IN 47639 812-867-6978 www.scottyslawn.com Cutting Widths Engine Options Acres/HR 52" | 61" 22hp up to 25hp up to 3 3 YEAR | 500 HOUR NON-COMMERCIAL WARRANTY HOT COLD T E S T E D F O R E V E R Y E X T R E M E . TO SIMULATE 5 YEARS OF ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE, WE PUT OUR PRODUCTS THROUGH EXTREME TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS INSIDE THE SEET LAB—PUSHED BEYOND WEATHER SEEN ANYWHERE IN NORTH AMERICA. WE TEST, SO IT RUNS. DESCRIPTION XV20i TRUCOMFORT™ SYSTEM EXTREME ENVIRONMENTAL TEST PRODUCT TEST HOT COLD T E S T E D F O R E V E R Y E X T R E M E . TO SIMULATE 5 YEARS OF ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE, WE PUT OUR PRODUCTS THROUGH EXTREME TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS INSIDE THE SEET LAB—PUSHED BEYOND WEATHER SEEN ANYWHERE IN NORTH AMERICA. WE TEST, SO IT RUNS. DESCRIPTION XV20i TRUCOMFORT™ SYSTEM EXTREME ENVIRONMENTAL TEST PRODUCT TEST HEATING AND AIR 812-789-3065 jmcdonald@alltradeheatingandair.net or admin@alltradeheatingandair.net Call today to schedule a check up! Call today to $ 75 00 F a ll M ain tena nce Only