Page 10 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 Get Ready for Spring & Summer “Backyarding:” Keep Safety in Mind “B ackyarding”—the art of taking indoor activities to the outdoors—is a trend that has caught on. As winter begins to wind down, thoughts of playing in and working in our yards often kick into high gear. Perhaps you are already dreaming of family gatherings, grilling and eating in your backyard. Or maybe you wish to add a yoga zone, design an outdoor movie theater, or build an agility course for your pet this year. Or perhaps this is the year you wish to add a pollinator garden or plant a vegetable or flower garden. Or are you hoping to get that outdoor office setup with extended WiFi? Knowing the purpose of your yard and how it will meet the needs of your family and pets is a great start to getting “backyard ready” for these warmer weather activities. Also, knowing your climate zone and the mix of trees, shrubs, grass and flowering plants that will grow sustainably is key to designing a dream yard. After all, our yards are not only an oasis for family but also for wildlife and important pollinators such as birds, bees and butterflies. Now is the time to start planning. Visit your nursery, plant centers, outdoor power equipment service dealers, and/or contact a landscaper, according to the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) https:// www.opei.org/ “Think about how your yard can work best for you, your family, pets and community, but do it now,” says Kris Kiser, CEO and President of OPEI. “And while you’re getting it in top shape for warm weather, remember to keep safety top of mind especially with your equipment and tools.” Here are some tips from OPEI to get your backyard ready, safely and efficiently: • Take stock of your outdoor power equipment to help you maintain your yard and make big jobs easier. A lawn mower will trim the grass, but perhaps you might need a cultivator for a garden, a chain saw to take down dead tree limbs, or a leaf blower to clear debris. Having the right equipment on hand can help you save time and effort if you don’t want to hire a professional. • Follow equipment manufacturer’s guidance for safety and usage of all outdoor power equipment. Look over the manual for your equipment for a refresher on how to safely use it, and read the safety information on equipment manufacturer’s web sites. Review how to shut on and off equipment and make sure safety features are working and have not been disabled. Never disengage or disable manufacturer-installed safety equipment. • Remember to keep children and pets away from outdoor power equipment. No children on mowers. • Do not mow in reverse, and avoid starting, stopping or turning a mower on a slope. Follow manufacturer guidance to the letter on mowing on slopes. • Service equipment as needed and according to manufacturer’s directions. Well-maintained equipment will last longer and run more efficiently. • Buy fresh fuel for gasolineOutdoor Power Equipment Institute: Powering good powered equipment and be sure you have matched the correct battery with the right charger. Only use batteries that are authorized for your equipment and do not use counterfeits. • Before working in the yard, clear the area of dead limbs, sticks and debris. Inspect trees for damage and clear the work area. By keeping this information in mind, you can get your yard in its best shape safely. BBB Tip: Shopping for a mattress? Do your research Buying a new mattress is a huge investment here are so many options – various materials, firmness levels, price ranges, sizes and even smart technology options – that making a purchase can seem overwhelming. It’s easy to see why mattress shoppers need to do their research. What can you do to purchase a new mattress that meets your needs? The following tips from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) should help: • Shop around to compare your options. Mattress prices and quality can vary greatly, so take the time to visit more than one mattress retailer before deciding. • Try before you buy. Test the mattress for at least 15 minutes by lying where you normally sleep. It might seem awkward, but a Consumer Reports survey found that 77 percent of respondents who tested their mattress more than 15 minutes were especially happy with their purchase. • Take a close look at the mattress tags. Ensure your mattress has the proper tags before you take it to your home. This step is especially important if you have a mattress delivered to your home. Even if the mattress is wrapped, inspect the tags before the delivery person leaves. • Avoid retailers that sell mattresses with no tags. You can’t be sure about the kind or quality of mattress you purchase if the retailer’s products have no tags. Don’t be fooled by repeated assurances from a salesperson if they have no proof to back up their claims. If there’s no tag, there’s no deal. • Find out about return and refund policies. Get all the details about the company’s return and refund policies and ask for a copy of this information in writing. • Ask the retailer to write “new” on your receipt. If you purchase a new mattress, have the retailer write this information on your receipt or include it on your digital copy. This will give you an additional recourse if you later find a problem with the mattress. • Research retailers on BBB.org. Whenever you make a large purchase, such as a mattress, look up the store or company you plan to do business with on the BBB website. Protect yourself from shady dealers by reviewing the company’s business rating and BBB reviews and complaints. What to know about used mattresses In most parts of the United States, used mattresses can be resold if they meet processing and labeling requirements. In Canada, secondhand mattresses also need to meet certain guidelines. Of course, mattress retailers might not be eager to point out that a mattress is used or has used materials, so keep these tips in mind: • Ask about used bedding. Ask the retailer directly if they sell used mattresses or mattresses that contain used materials. If you are considering purchasing used bedding, ask about how the material is sanitized or disinfected. Keep in mind that used bedding could be tainted with bodily fluids, pet allerT gens, bacteria, mold or other harmful substances. • Check the tag: New mattresses should have a white tag indicating the mattress contains “all new materials.” In some areas used mattresses have yellow or red tags that indicate the mattress is used or contains used material; however, requirements vary, so don’t assume that the absence of a red or yellow tag automatically means the mattress is new. For more information: Read BBB’s tips on shopping for furniture online. Check out BBB’s Home HQ for more home tips and resources. Always look for businesses that follow BBB Accreditation Standards and BBB Standards for Trust. For more news from BBB, visit BBB.org/ news and its Consumer HQ.
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