Spring Yard Work? Remember Safety First

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Spring is the time to get out your lawn equipment to shape-up your yard. But before you fire up your lawn mower, trimmer, and other yard gear, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) reminds you to keep safety in mind.

"We all want to get outside and work on our yards, but your equipment needs some attention first," says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI, an international trade association representing outdoor power equipment, small engine, utility vehicle, golf car and personal transport vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. "A little prep can go a long way in keeping things safe and running smoothly."

Here are a few simple tips:

• Follow manufacturers' guidance. It sounds basic, but it's important. If you lost the manufacturer's owner's manual, you can usually find it online.
• Inspect your equipment. Check oil and air filters. Buy fresh fuel. Look for damaged or missing parts.
• Never disable, modify or remove safety devices.
• Use fresh fuel. Buy the amount of fuel you need. Never store equipment with fuel in the tank. Remember, storing fuel in hot, humid conditions will make the fuel grow stale more quickly.
• Charge batteries using an appropriate charger. Use the charger that came with your equipment and follow the manufacturer instructions. Follow their guidance on storing batteries properly.
• Clean and store equipment properly. Wipe off dirt and debris and keep your equipment in a dry spot.
• Always keep kids and pets away from operating equipment.

For more safety information about outdoor power equipment, visit www.opei.org .

Social media posts:

Facebook/Instagram:

Gearing up for spring yard work? Don't forget to give your mower, trimmer, and other tools a quick safety check first!  Use fresh fuel, clean it up, and keep kids & pets clear. More tips at opei.org  #YardWork #LawnCare #SpringSafety #OPEI

Spring's here—time to get outside! Before you fire up your outdoor power equipment, take a few minutes to get knowledgeable about your equipment. A little prep goes a long way!  #LawnSeason #SafetyFirst #SpringReady

Twitter/X:
Spring = yard work!  Before using that mower or trimmer, check your equipment, use fresh fuel, and keep kids & pets clear. Safety first! #SpringSafety #LawnCare

Media contacts
Ami Neiberger, Four Leaf PR on behalf of OPEI, 703-887-4877, [email protected] 
Debbi Mayster, Four Leaf PR on behalf of OPEI, 240-988-6243, [email protected]

About OPEI
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. OPEI is the advocacy voice of the industry, and a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and active internationally through the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in the development of safety and performance standards. OPEI owns Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living and equipment exposition, and administers the TurfMutt Foundation, which directs the environmental education program, TurfMutt. OPEI-Canada represents members on a host of issues, including recycling, emissions and other regulatory developments across the Canadian provinces.

SOURCE Outdoor Power Equipment Institute