Connecticut’s dry season finally may be coming to an end. This makes lawnmower safety especially important now.
Whether it is a riding or push mower, these powerful lawn tools pose significant dangers. This is true particularly where children are involved.
So, before you gas it up, take some precautions to keep yourself and your family safe.
Lawnmower Safety Begins with You
The Sidney Daily News advises taking lawnmower safety precautions to help prevent accidents. It reports that 75 people in the United States die each year because of lawnmower accidents. Another 20,000 are injured.
Accidents happen with riding mowers and with push mowers. Most accidents result in cuts, particularly to hands and feet. Others result in fractures with an equal number responsible for amputations.
Riverbender.com recommends wearing protective clothing and equipment. This includes eye protection to guard against dirt clumps and other projectiles. Lawnmowers and trimmers can propel objects at up to 200 miles-per-hour.
Also, turn off devices before attempting any kind of maintenance or clearing. Filling a hot lawnmower with fuel can cause a fire. Attempting to clear wet grass can cause blades to shift unexpectedly.
When it comes to children, keep them as far away from mowers as possible. Both news sites suggest children younger than 12 not operate push mowers. For riding mowers, operators should be at least 16 years old and not include passengers.
Each year, the War Amps Child Amputee Program (CHAMP) issues warnings about lawnmower safety. WestCentralOnline published the story of Adam Kingsmill. He lost his right leg below the knee at the age of two when he ran into the path of a lawnmower. Now, at 20, Kingsmill uses his experience to warn children and parents about the dangers of lawnmowers.
At the Keating Agency, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable summer. Lawnmower accidents should not be part of that.
Know that if you find yourself in a Homeowners Insurance claim situation because of a lawnmower accident, The Keating Agency will be with you every step of the way. We have been your local, independent insurance agency for more than 50 years. We are here to help you. Give us a call.