Page 4 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024 Top Eight Usage Mistakes When Using Outdoor Power Equipment Outdoor Power Equipment Institute Offers Safety Tips for Consumers, Homeowners ALEXANDRIA, Va. – As the weather warms and people are coaxed outside to their yards and managed landscapes, it’s time for everyone to remember how to use their outdoor power equipment safely and properly. “Think safety first,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representGerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net ing outdoor power equipment, small engine, utility vehicle, golf car and personal transport vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. “I can’t stress enough to review manufacturer’s safety guidance before starting up any equipment—especially your lawn mower. Review your owner’s manual and do maintenance on your equipment.” Also being aware of surroundings is key, he adds. “And be sure to keep kids and pets away from outdoor power equipment while it’s in use.” OPEI urges homeowners and other equipment users to avoid these eight most common mistakes when using outdoor power equipment. 1. Thinking all mowers are the same. You need to know how to handle your specific equipment correctly, and do basic operations like turning it off or on and controlling speed. Review your owner’s manual and how to use the equipment before use. 2. Not inspecting equipment before use. Always look over equipment before operating it. Check the air fi lter, oil level and gasoline tank. Watch for loose belts and missing or damaged parts. Replace any parts needed or take your equipment to a qualifi ed service representative. 3. Not walking through your yard or work area before starting to mow or using other outdoor power equipment. Always walk the area you intend to work in, and look for and remove objects, sticks and other items that could create a hazard. 4. Removing or not using safety guards on the equipment. Never alter or disable safety protection measures. If needed, take equipment to a qualifi ed service representative for repairs and inspection. 5. Using fuels not designed for equipment. Loading up your outdoor power equipment with gasoline with more than 10% ethanol in it can cause running problems and damage the fuel line. Always use E10 or less. 6. Using batteries or chargers that are not specifi ed by the manufacturer. While a host of batteries and chargers can be found for sale online, only use batteries and chargers specifi ed by the equipment manufacturer. 7. Not storing fuel and batteries safely. Coff ee cans, milk jugs and other non-approved containers should not be used to store fuel. Only store fuel in containers designed for it, and always use up fuel before it is 30 days old. Label fuel cans with the date of purchase and ethanol content. When battery packs are not in use, keep them away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects, that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fi re. 8. Not cleaning or storing equipment well. Equipment will run more effi ciently and last longer if it’s cleaned. Always remove dirt, oil or grass before using and storing your equipment. Store equipment in a dry place, avoiding damp or wet environments. For information on safe fueling, go to https://www.opei. org/programs/ethanolwarning/ For more safety information visit www.opei.org Samaritans Marks 50 Years of Hope: Advocacy Event with Governor Healey Community Rally at State House to Support Samaritans' Lifesaving Mission BOSTON - Samaritans, a leading suicide prevention organization in Massachusetts, is pleased to announce its upcoming 50th Anniversary advocacy event at the Massachusetts State House on Monday, April 1, 2024. The event will take place at the Grand Staircase, beginning at 10:30 AM. For the past 50 years, Samaritans has been a beacon of hope for individuals struggling with their mental health or grieving a loss to suicide. Since its founding in 1974, Samaritans has assisted millions of people in Massachusetts by providing free, confi - dential, and compassionate support through its 24/7 Helpline, Hey Sam textline, grief support groups, and community education workshops. "As we commemorate 50 years of service, we are proud to continue Samaritans' legacy of providing hope and support to those impacted by suicide. This event at the State House refl ects the importance of conversations happening at every level in terms of mental health awareness, and particularly suicide prevention," said Kathy Marchi, CEO and President of Samaritans. “Together, with Governor Healey, Massachusetts legislators, and our community partners, we can ensure that every individual struggling with mental health issues fi nds the support they need to thrive." The event aims to bring together community members, legislators, and supporters to advocate for continued funding for Samaritans' lifesaving work in the upcoming fi scal year. Governor Healey's address will highlight the importance of suicide prevention initiatives and the collective responsibility to support mental health in our communities. Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Edward R. Philips will discuss the importance of addressing youth suicide rates through innovative programs like Hey Sam, and how legislators can play a role in ensuring these services remain free and accessible. Their presence underscores the significance of Samaritans' work and the urgent need for continued investment in suicide prevention eff orts. "Samaritans' commitment to suicide prevention extends beyond crisis intervention to encompass education, grief support, and advocacy initiatives. Through our advocacy event at the State House, we hope to inspire meaningful action towards destigmatizing mental health and saving lives," said Kacy Maitland, LICSW, Chief Clinical Offi - cer of Samaritans. Attendance at the event is open to all who wish to support Samaritans' mission. To RSVP, please visit samaritanshope. org/statehouse by Friday, March 22, 2024. For more information about Samaritans and its services, visit samaritanshope.org.
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