With Winter simply across the nook and snow slowly creeping into forecasts throughout the U.S., it’s necessary for anybody who must deal with the flakes head on to ensure they’re ready. Winter storms could be unpredictable and the Out of doors Energy Tools Institute (OPEI) encourages garden and panorama enterprise homeowners to arrange upfront earlier than unhealthy climate hits. Listed here are OPEI’s 12 inquiries to ask earlier than working a snow thrower:
Have you ever learn your proprietor’s guide? Know secure dealing with procedures and learn how to function the controls of your machine. If the guide can’t be discovered, look it up on-line and retailer a duplicate on the pc.
Have you ever checked your tools? Tools needs to be powered off when checking it. Alter any cables and test the auger. For those who forgot to empty the gas earlier than storing tools final 12 months, empty the gasoline tank. Have you ever bought the proper gas? You’ll want to use the gas really helpful by the tools producer. Gasoline that’s greater than 30 days previous can section separate and trigger working issues. Purchase gasoline forward of a storm. For extra data see LookBeforeYouPump.com. Is gasoline used safely? By no means add gas to a working or sizzling engine. Retailer gasoline in a gas container and label with date bought and ethanol content material. Be certain that gas is saved safely and out of attain of kids.
Are batteries charged (for battery-powered tools)? Be certain that batteries are absolutely charged earlier than a storm, in case electrical energy goes out. Is the yard away from obstructions? Snow can cover objects. Doormats, hoses, balls, toys, wires, and different particles needs to be eliminated. When run over by a snow thrower, these objects might hurt the machine or folks. Are you dressed correctly? Put on security glasses, gloves, and footwear that may deal with chilly and slippery surfaces. Is your clean-out instrument prepared? NEVER put your palms contained in the auger or chute. Use a clean-out instrument to unclog snow or particles. All the time flip off the snow thrower and look forward to all transferring components to come back to an entire cease earlier than clearing any clogs. Is your snow thrower operated solely in seen situations? By no means function the snow thrower with out good visibility or gentle. Will you be clearing slopes and hills? By no means try and clear steep slopes. Use excessive warning when altering instructions on slopes or inclines. For electrical tools, do you take note of the place the twine is? Use an extension twine designed for outside use. Concentrate on the place the facility twine is always when utilizing the machine. Keep away from tripping. Don’t run over the facility twine. Are pets and kids inside whereas the snow thrower is working? It’s finest to maintain children and pets indoors and supervised whereas a snow thrower is working. Don’t permit them to play within the snow as it’s tossed out of the chute.
Click on right here for Turf Journal’s August 2022 Situation: “A Good Storm” highlighting all the pieces snow and ice.