Page 20 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 14, 2025 Weather It Better: Outdoor Power Equipment Helps Clean Up After Storms WeatherItBetter.com off ers checklist, safety tips for home & business owners A LEXANDRIA, Va. -Chainsaws, generators, snow throwers, utility type vehicles (UTVs), water pumps, and other types of outdoor power equipment help home and business owners maintain properties and clean up after storms or weather-related emergencies. Home and business owners are urged to visit WeatherItBetter.com, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) hub for storm preparation, safe equipment usage tips and checklists to help them prepare for today’s unpredictable weather. “Bad weather can hit anytime, anywhere, so plan for it,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI. “With any weather event, like hurricanes, snow and ice, we usually know they’re coming. Get fresh fuel, charge batteries, and test outdoor power equipment in advance so you’re powered up and ready to use it. If the power goes out, you can’t get those things easily.” In particular, says OPEI, when using a portable generator, homeowners should make sure they have weather-approved extension cords that keep it a safe distance from the house and users follow all manufacturer’s guidelines. Kiser says storm preparation boils down to thinking strategically about what equipment is needed. “Our industry is constantly evolving and innovating, and there’s a lot of equipment on the market today that can make big jobs easier, to help you ‘weather it better’ when storms hit,” says Kiser. “But you need to have the right equipment on hand before damaging weather hits.” When the power goes out, a generator can keep the lights on and phones charged. A utility type vehicle can move people and supplies quickly, and a water pump can get out fl ood waters from basements and other spaces. String trimmers, leaf blowers, and mowers can remove combustible material away from a structure. Chainsaws and pole pruners can take down dead limbs and trim trees and bushes. “Safety gear and following manufacturer’s directions is key to using outdoor power equipment,” adds Kiser. “It’s important to ensure everyone who uses equipment knows and follows all safety procedures.” Find safety tips, checklists and more at WeatherItBetter.com. was “The Whale”? 1. February 14 is Valentine’s Day; a Greek sculptor named what created a statue that he fell in love with? 2. What 2018 romantic comedy is based on a bestseller by Kevin Kwan? 3. In the early 1900s, why was Adolph Spreckels – the first sugar daddy – nicknamed that by his wife? 4. On Feb. 15, 1925, a second batch of diphtheria antitoxin for an epidemic arrived in Nome, Alaska, by what method? 5. Esther Howland founded the 1880s New England Valentine Company where in Mass.? 6. Which fruit has the most fat? 7. On Feb. 16, 1923, what burial chamber in Egypt was unsealed? 8. What does XOXO mean? 9. What 1851 book’s fi rst title 10. What New England company created candy Sweethearts (conversation hearts)? 11. February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day; what creator of Peter Pan said, “Shall we make a new rule of life from tonight: always to try to be a kinder than is necessary?” 12. What animal can be a jack or a jenny? 13. In 1972 who had a hit with “Burning Love”? 14. In the Old English poem “Beowulf,” Danish warriors drank what having honey? 15. On Feb. 18, 1930, at the International Aircraft Exposition in St. Louis, Missouri, Elm Farm Ollie became the fi rst of what animal to fl y in a plane? 16. What U.S. state whose state fl ower is the bluebonnet has the motto “Friendship”? 17. On Feb. 19, 2008, who resigned his presidency – to be succeeded by his brother? 18. In what area of Boston was the country’s first chocolate factory (1700s)? 19. Who is the world’s longest heir apparent? 20. On Feb. 20, 1962, John Glenn became the fi rst American astronaut to orbit earth; what government position did he later hold? SAFE| FROM PAGE 13 About the National Fire Protection Association® Founded in 1896, NFPA is a global self-funded nonprofi t organization devoted to eliminating death, injury and property and economic loss due to fi re, electrical and related hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach, and advocacy and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. For more information, visit nfpa.org. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at nfpa.org/freeaccess. For Advertising with RESULTS, call The Advocate at Newspapers 781-233-4446 or info@advocatenews.net ANSWERS 1. Pygmalion 2. “Crazy Rich Asians” 3. He was a millionaire son of a San Francisco sugar tycoon and was 20 years older than her. 4. Dogsled 5. Worcester 6. Avocado 7. King Tutankhamun 8. Hugs and kisses 9. “Moby Dick” 10. New England Confectionery Company (NECCO) 11. J.M. Barrie 12. Donkey 13. Elvis Presley 14. Mead 15. Cow 16. Texas 17. Fidel Castro (brother Raúl) 18. Dorchester (Baker Chocolate Company) 19. King Charles III (waited 70 years, 214 days) 20. U.S. Senator
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