Ask SAM: Safety tips for mowing

Now that the rains have stopped (at least briefly), get ready for a growth spurt in your grass and weeds ... especially weeds, if your yard is anything like SAM's.

With that in mind, here are some safety tips for the mowing season, courtesy of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Before starting your mower or trimmer, check for loose or damaged belts and make sure the blades are secure, balanced and covered. Be aware of any fluid leaks.Before you mow, walk the area to be mowed so you can find and remove debris such as rocks, sticks and bottles.Always aim the chute of the mower away from people, animals, buildings and traffic.Never allow children under age 12 to operate a push mower, and children under 16 should not operate a riding lawn mower. It's also unsafe to give young children rides on mowers.Keep young children and pets indoors and supervised when any outdoor power equipment is being used. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, embankments or steep slopes. Use a string trimmer to cut grass in those locations.Stay alert for anyone who may enter the area you are mowing. Always look down and behind before and during the use of 'reverse' on your mower.Slow down when turning and make wide, gradual turns, especially when mowing on slopes. Mow up and down slopes, not across.As we have mentioned before, be careful not to scatter grass onto the roadway. It can make the road slippery and cause accidents with pedestrians, scooters and motorcycles.Dress to protect yourself. Wake Forest recommends wearing safety goggles, gloves, sturdy shoes, socks and long-sleeved shirts and long pants, as well as protecting your hearing by wearing ear muffs or ear plugs when using machinery.Use insect repellent, and wear wide-brimmed hats, sun shades and sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher to prevent sunburn and skin cancer.Stay hydrated, take breaks often, and pay attention to the signs of heat-related illnesses. Potential symptoms of heat stress to look out for include altered mental status or confusion; rapid heart rate; rapid breathing; heavy sweating or inability to sweat; weakness; dizziness; nausea or vomiting; headache; and fainting and seizures.

People at greater risk of heat stress include ones who are 65 or older; are overweight; have heart disease or high blood pressure; or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat.

"Spending time in the garden or working in the yard can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors, reduce stress and get physical activity," said Michael Fitch, a professor of Emergency Medicine at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, in a news release.

"Whether you're a beginner or expert at outdoor chores, it's important to be aware of the many dangers and hazards that can be presented."

Each year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 317,000 people nationwide are treated for injuries involving lawn-and-garden tools.

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