OPEI offers storm season safety tips

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – As early as May 2010, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted an ‘extremely active’ Atlantic hurricane season, reminding the public that it only takes one hurricane or tropical storm to cause a disaster. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute urges homeowners to prepare for possible strong winds and rainfall by purchasing the right outdoor power equipment such as chain saws or generators, and to take the time to read through and understand the accompanying safety manuals.

“Often times, the single most effective way to stay safe while operating outdoor power equipment before or after a storm is to actually read the owner’s manual and understand the safety devices,” says Kris Kiser, executive vice president at the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute. “What you don’t want to do is wait until after the storm, when the pressure is on to clear away debris, to rush through the safety manual, or worse, not read it at all.”

Mark Chisholm, an ISA certified arborist and spokesperson for STIHL, points out that, “People are in a rush after a storm and forget to look up and check if there are damaged tree sections teetering overhead.” 

Click here for more on trees and storms.

Here are some of OPEI’s key ways to prepare for the storm season:

1.  Assess trees in your yard to determine which trees and/or limbs may come down during a storm. If in doubt, contact your local ISA certified arborist for an assessment or learn more about tree care at: http://www.treesaregood.org
2.  Use pole saws or pruners to selectively cut dead or damaged limbs near your home or over your driveway. Make sure you always keep a firm footing on the ground, do not go up on a ladder, and stay away from electrical conductors.
3.  Have a chain saw on hand for clean up, but first read and understand the instruction manual and ensure the equipment is in good condition. Make sure you are prepared to use a chain saw.
4.  Make sure you understand chain saw “kickback.” “Kickback” may occur when the nose or tip of the guide bar touches an object or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. Tip contact may cause a lightning-fast reverse reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back toward the operator.
5.  Don’t work around power lines. One of the biggest threats to safety is downed utility lines. While an electrical conductor lying on the ground may appear harmless, they are considered “hot” unless tested and grounded. Do not touch it. Contact a professional.
6.  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.
 
 

Consumers can find a list of safety tips for specific outdoor power equipment here.