Prepare for the 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season with Preventative Measures and Right...

Prepare for the 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season with Preventative Measures and
Right Equipment

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- With Hurricane Bertha kicking off
the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season and the Climate Prediction Center
forecasting a 65 percent chance of an above-normal hurricane season, the
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) encourages homeowners to prepare for
strong winds and rainfall that can damage property and cause serious injury,
even if an area is not on the direct path of these devastating storms. Having
chain saws, power generators, and other pieces of outdoor power equipment on
hand is important to recover from damage caused by a storm.
"Using the right outdoor power equipment can save your property from
costly damage and, after a storm, help restore safety and normalcy for
families and communities," said Kris Kiser, Vice President, Public Affairs,
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute. However, he notes, there are important
steps to take and tools to use even before a storm hits to minimize the
effects of severe weather incidents.
Added Kiser, "Given that weather can surprise even the most seasoned
weathermen, homeowners should check today that they have the proper equipment
and that it is in safe working order."
Trees are wonderful resources that provide homeowners with immeasurable
benefits. However, trees can pose a real threat to one's personal safety
and/or property during storms if not properly cared for. According to Mark
Chisholm, an ISA certified arborist in New Jersey and spokesperson for STIHL
Inc., "When a powerful storm rolls through, trees are often left in shambles,
damaging your home, knocking down gutters and power lines. So, arborists
always recommend doing some selective pruning of dead limbs and branches with
chain saws, pole pruners or pole saws ahead of time."
According to the OPEI, follow the checklist below to better weather the
storm season:
1. Assess trees in your yard to determine which trees and/or limbs may
come down during a storm. If in doubt, contact your local ISA certified
arborist for an assessment at www.isa-arbor.com.
2. Use pole saws or pruners to selectively cut dead or damaged limbs near
your home or over your driveway. Make sure you always keep a firm footing on
the ground, do not go up on a ladder, and stay away from electrical
conductors.
3. Have a chain saw on hand for clean up, but first read and understand
the instruction manual and ensure the equipment is in good condition. Make
sure you are prepared to use a chain saw by:
-- Having protective gear on hand such as safety footwear, protective
gloves and eye, hearing, and head protection devices, as well as chain saw
protective clothing.
-- Having a clear work area, secure footing, and a planned retreat from
the falling tree before cutting it.
-- Ensuring the chain saw is not damaged or improperly adjusted, and is
completely and securely assembled. Make sure the saw chain stops moving when
you release the throttle control trigger.
-- Following the manufacturer's sharpening and maintenance instructions
for the chain.
4. Make sure you understand chain saw "kickback." "Kickback" may occur
when the nose or tip of the guide bar touches an object or when the wood
closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. Tip contact may cause a
lightning-fast reverse reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back toward the
operator.
5. Don't work around power lines. One of the biggest threats to safety is
downed utility lines. While an electrical conductor lying on the ground may
appear harmless, they are considered "hot" unless tested and grounded! Do not
touch it-no matter what! Contact a professional.
6. Do not operate power generators in enclosed areas. Carbon monoxide is a
colorless, odorless gas that can become concentrated in enclosed areas and
cause serious injury or death.
Editors' Notes: Consumers can find a list of safety tips for specific
outdoor power equipment at http://www.opei.org/consumer/index.asp and audio
tips on chain saw safety at http://www.opei.org/library/avroom.asp.
Requests for interviews with the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute or
photos showing equipment in use can be made to Caroline March-Long at
434-295-5938/Caroline@FourleafPR.com.
About OPEI
OPEI is an international trade association representing the $15 billion
landscape, forestry, utility and lawn equipment manufacturing industry. OPEI
is committed to ongoing efforts to ensure consumer safety and access to
outdoor power equipment in order to maintain and enhance outdoor landscapes.
OPEI works with federal, state and local groups to ensure that equipment
operates efficiently, effectively and is fully emission compliant. For more
information on OPEI visit www.OPEI.org.
CONTACT:
Caroline March-Long
On Behalf of OPEI
434-295-5938 - office/ 434-760-1948- mobile
Caroline@FourLeafPR.com

SOURCE Outdoor Power Equipment Institute

Caroline March-Long for OPEI, +1-434-295-5938, office, +1-434-760-1948,
mobile, Caroline@FourLeafPR.com