Some people see yard work as a chore, while others enjoy lawn care and gardening. Despite how you feel, it's time to focus on safety before you fire up the lawn mower for the first time this season.

This week is National Lawn Mower Safety Week. With these reminders, you can keep your family and yourself safe while caring for your lawn. 

Take Precautions:

• Plan your work to include a walk around the yard to check the environment, picking up debris such as small rocks and limbs, as well as looking for other hazards, such as holes in the ground.
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Wear long, durable pants, closed-toed footwear, hearing protection, safety glasses and leather gloves while performing yardwork.
• Keep your back straight, bend at the knees, and keep the load close to your body when lifting or carrying anything. If something is too heavy for you to handle, ask for some help.
• Keep in mind the unpredictability of children and pets, and remain vigilant for them to suddenly come into a path of danger; and you should never allow a child to ride along while operating a riding mower.
• Fuel lawn equipment only when it is in the off position and don’t fuel in the same area you will be starting the equipment. Store your fuel properly in approved containers, preferably out of the reach of young children and pets.
• Ensure the top of your mower is clear of grass and debris. If grass accumulates, the engine heat could ignite a fire.
• Keep a first aid kit nearby to treat minor injuries. If an injury would happen to occur to you or someone else, stop your work and seek medical treatment.

Please take the extra time to pause, take a breath and remember to give extra attention to your personal safety and the safety of those around you.