| Photo by Tim Umphreys on Unsplash
NEW YORK (NAPSI)—Weather is more unpredictable than ever, and homeowners should take stock of the outdoor power equipment in their garages and sheds to handle ensuing damage left behind. Preparation is key, before a storm and unseasonable weather hits a community.
“Today it’s not enough to just prepare for each season. We’re seeing powerful storms in places that normally don’t get them—and too often leaving behind crippling damage,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “Being equipped with the right outdoor power equipment is critical for when hurricane-force weather events bring water and wind, ice and snow put you at a standstill, and power goes out.”
To help people prepare, OPEI encourages homeowners to educate themselves by visiting WeatherItBetter.com, which includes tips on having the right outdoor power equipment, severe weather and emergency cleanup, and safety measures, such as:
- Have the right equipment on hand—before you need it. Acquire equipment based on weather, seasons, and individual preferences before an emergency arises.
- Know that all equipment is not the same. Before using it, understand your equipment’s unique safety and usage requirements. Review your owner’s manual and follow all instructions.
- Inspect equipment before use. Check the air filter, oil level, gasoline tank, and batteries. Stored equipment should be put away without fuel in the tank. Watch for missing or damaged parts. Tighten chainsaw chains. Replace damaged parts or take the equipment to a qualified service representative.
- Walk through your yard and work areas. Seek and remove objects, sticks, dog toys, and other items that could create a hazard. Always keep children and pets away from running equipment. Hire a professional if a job is beyond your abilities.
- Never alter or turn off the equipment’s safety protection. Stay safe and follow the manufacturer’s safety measures at all times.
- Use fuel and batteries designed for the equipment. Use E10 or less in gasoline-powered equipment unless it’s intended otherwise. Only use manufacturer-specified batteries or chargers.
- Store fuel and batteries safely. Use containers designed for fuel and label them with the purchase date and ethanol content. Use up fuel before it’s thirty days old, and run equipment dry of fuel before storage. Keep battery packs away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, or screws, that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Keep batteries stored away from one another.
- Clean equipment before storing. Remove dirt, oil, or grass before using and storing equipment. Store it in a dry place, avoiding wet environments.
- Plan ahead for safe generator placement. NEVER place a generator in a home, garage, carport, or near an open window or door. Have outdoor-rated power cords on hand and use them long enough to keep the generator a safe distance from the house.
For more information, go to opei.org. OPEI is an international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of power equipment, small engines, battery power systems, portable generators, utility and personal transport vehicles, and golf cars.
–With Jay Dmingo/PDM
