Cooperative Living May 2023 - 22

SAFETY SENSE
Know the
purpose of your
yard and how
Making Outside Safe
Putting the backyard up front in your thoughts
Story courtesy Outdoor Power Equipment Institute
Here are some tips fromOPEI to get your backyard
ready, safely and efficiently:
* Take stock ofyour outdoor power equipment to
help you maintain your yard and make big jobs
easier. A lawn mower will trim the grass, but
perhaps you might need a cultivator for a garden,
a chain saw to take down dead tree limbs, or a leaf
blower to clear debris. Having the right equipment
on hand can help you save time and effort ifyou
don't want to hire a professional.
" B
ackyarding " - the art oftaking indoor activities to the
outdoors - is a trend that has caught on. As spring is
now fully in season, thoughts ofplaying in and working
in our yards kick into high gear.
Perhaps you are already dreaming offamily gatherings, grilling
and eating in your backyard. Or, maybe you wish to add a yoga
zone, design an outdoor movie theater, or build an agility course
for your pet this year. Or, perhaps this is the year you wish to add
a pollinator garden or plant a vegetable or flower garden. Or, are
you hoping to get that outdoor office setup with extendedWi-Fi.
Knowing the purpose ofyour yard and how it will meet the
needs ofyour family and pets is a great start to getting " backyard
ready " for these warmer-weather activities. Also, knowing your
climate zone and the mix oftrees, shrubs, grass and flowering
plants that will grow sustainably is key to designing a dream yard.
After all, our yards are not only an oasis for family but also for
wildlife and important pollinators such as birds, bees and
butterflies.
Now is the time to start planning. Visit your nursery, plant
centers and outdoor power equipment service dealers, and/or
contact a landscaper, according to the Outdoor Power
Equipment Institute.
" Think about how your yard can work best for you, your
family, pets and your community, but do it now, " says Kris Kiser,
president and CEO ofOPEI. " And while you're getting it in top
shape for warmweather, remember to keep safety top ofmind,
especially with your equipment and tools. "
* Follow equipment manufacturer's guidance for
safety and use ofall outdoor power equipment.
Look over the manual for your equipment for a
refresher on how to safely use it, and read the safety
information on equipment manufacturer's websites.
Review how to turn equipment on and off,
and make sure safety features are working and
have not been disabled. Never disengage or disable
manufacturer-installed safety equipment.
* Remember to keep children and pets away from
outdoor power equipment. No children on mowers.
* Do not mow in reverse, and avoid starting,
stopping or turning a mower on a slope. Follow
manufacturer guidance to the letter when mowing
on slopes.
* Service equipment as needed and according
to manufacturer's directions.Well-maintained
equipment will last longer and run more efficiently.
* Buy fresh fuel for gasoline-powered equipment
and be sure you have matched the correct battery
with the right charger. Only use batteries that
are authorized for your equipment and do not
use counterfeits.
* Before working in the yard, clear the area ofdead
limbs, sticks and debris. Inspect trees for damage
and clear the work area.
By keeping this information in mind, you can get
your yard into its best shape, safely. 
it will meet your
needs.
20 ● Cooperative Living ●
May 2023
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Cooperative Living May 2023

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