Summer Safety Series: Lawnmowers, Fireworks & You

Keep your family safe this summer by following these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and your friends at ServiceMark Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. This is part of a special summer series we are posting, so be sure to follow our blog and get helpful tips and reminders each week. This week’s blog focuses on two timely themes – Lawn Mower Safety and Fireworks Safety:

LAWN MOWER SAFETY

• Only use a mower with a control that stops the mower blade from spinning if the handle is let go, or if you leave the seat of your riding mower.
• Children younger than 16 years should not be allowed to use riding mowers. Children younger than 12 years should not use walk-behind (push) mowers.
• Make sure that sturdy shoes are worn while mowing – no sandals or flip flops.
• Prevent injuries from flying objects, such as stones or toys, by picking up objects from the lawn before mowing begins. Have anyone who uses a mower wear hearing and eye protection.
• Do not pull the mower backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary, and carefully look for children behind you when you mow 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.
• Do not allow children to ride as passengers on riding mowers.
• Keep children out of the yard while mowing. If children must be in the vicinity of running lawnmowers, they should wear polycarbonate protective eye wear at all times.
• Drive up and down slopes, not across to prevent mower rollover.
• Keep guards, shields, switches, and safety devices in proper working order at all times.

FIREWORKS SAFETY

• Fireworks can result in severe burns, scars and disfigurement that can last a lifetime.
• Fireworks that are often thought to be safe, such as sparklers, can reach temperatures above 1000 degrees (F), and can easily burn users, bystanders, plus could catch nearby combustible materials on fire (especially during dry or windy weather conditions).
• Families should attend community fireworks displays run by professionals rather than using fireworks at home.
• Say NO to the purchase of all fireworks, including those by mail or the Internet. Anything that involves sparks or flame can cause harm to you and your family without warning.

No matter what you do outside, keep your cool reliably when inside! If you experience problems with your home’s air conditioning system, contact ServiceMark Heating, Cooling and Plumbing at 1-800-474-5200 or visit www.servicemarksolutions.com. Be sure to watch for more Summer Safety Series tips coming soon!

Source: https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/pages/Summer-Safety-Tips.aspx#sthash.T8vR3F5Q.dpuf