<font color=blue>INDUSTRY BUZZ</font> Preparing for Hurricane Season

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a more-active-than-normal Atlantic hurricane season this year. According to NOAA, there is a 75 percent chance that there will be 13 to 17 named storms of which 3 to 5 will be major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). 

For residents of storm-prone areas, using chainsaws, power generators, and other pieces of outdoor proper equipment (OPE) can help to get back to normal life quickly and easily after the storm. The keys to cleaning up after a storm are being prepared before the storm hits and using OPE in a safe and proper manner.  The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) Education & Research Foundation offers these reminders.

Preparing for the storm season:

• Make sure you have the right equipment to handle post-storm clean up. 
• Check existing equipment to make sure it’s in good working order.  Get repairs done in advance of a storm or consider purchasing new equipment. Consult the owner’s manual for maintenance and safety warnings
• Make sure you have adequate fuel and that the fuel is stored properly  For chain saw use, make sure you have gloves, eye and ear protection. 

After the storm:

For generator operation:

• DO NOT operate power generators in enclosed areas. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can become concentrated in enclosed areas and cause serious injury or death.

For chainsaw operation:

• Keep children and pets out of the work area.
• Handle gas carefully and don’t overfill.
• Keep hands and feet away from ANY moving parts.
• Wear proper footwear, snug clothing, gloves and eye/ear protection.
• Do not overreach.
• Secure your footing and plan retreat path.
• Watch for "kick-back", a violent reactive force propelling the cutting bar back toward the operator.

The OPEI Education and Research Foundation offers safety and maintenance tips as well as other resource information on a variety of outdoor power equipment.  Please visit www.opei.org/foundation.