Safety Tips To Remember (NAPSA)—Springis on its way and home ownersare eager to get out their lawn mowers andstart planting, trimming and sprucing. Before you fire up your outdoor power equipment, look r “he over these smarttips. “We know everyone is eager to get outside and start working in their yards. But rememberto keep safety in mind? said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power EquipmentInstitute (OPEI), an international trade association representing more than 100 power equipment, engine and utility vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. “Doing somebasic maintenancewill ensure your equipment operates safely and gets the job done,” said Kiser. Before you use a mower, trimmer, blower, chain saw, pruneror other piece of outdoor power equipment this season, OPEI says, remember to inspect the equipment, review owner’s manuals, and review safety procedures. Here are tips to help: 1. Get out your owner’s manual. Follow all guidelines for your outdoor power equipmentand familiarize your- self with the controls. If you have lost your manual, look it up online. 2. Inspect your equipment. Check for loose belts and missing or damaged parts. Replace any parts needed or take your equipment to a qualified service representative. 3.Drain old fuel. Don't leave fuel sitting in the tank for more than 30days. Untreated gasoline (withouta fuel stabilizer) left in the system will deteriorate, which may cause starting or running problemsand, in some cases, damageto the fuel system. Doing some basic maintenancewill ensure your outdoor equipment operates safely and gets the job done. 4. Use only E10 or less fuel. Some gas stations may offer 15 percent ethanol (E15) gas or higher ethanol fuel blends, but any fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol can damage— and is illegal to use in—small engine equipmentnotdesignedforit. 5. Label your fuel can with the date of purchase and ethanolcontent of the fuel. Never put “old” gas in your outdoor power equipment. If you don’t know the date of purchase, dispose of the fuel in the can safely and buyfresh fuel. 6. Clean your equipment. Remove any dirt, oil or grass stuck to it. A clean machine will run moreefficiently and last longer. “Now is also a good time to assess your outdoor power equipment needs,” adds Kiser. “Whether you're needing battery-, gasoline-, propane-, diesel- or hybrid-powered equipment, there is a productto fit you and any job” Learn More For moresafety tips, go to www.opei. org. For further information on prop- er fueling, go to www.LookBeforeYou Pump.com.
