{"id":8650,"date":"2022-04-04T10:56:59","date_gmt":"2022-04-04T10:56:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=8650"},"modified":"2026-08-07T23:53:33","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T23:53:33","slug":"lawn-mower-safety-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-mower-safety-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Essential Lawn Mower Safety Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and closed-toe shoes every time.<br>\u2022 Clear debris before mowing; rocks and sticks can turn into 200 mph projectiles.<br>\u2022 Keep children and pets out of the mowing area until you&#8217;re completely done.<br>\u2022 Mow forward whenever possible. Reversing near children is the leading cause of riding mower fatalities.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each year, about 80,000 Americans visit emergency rooms for lawn mower injuries \u2014 and the vast majority of those accidents were completely preventable.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Staying safe is simple: always wear proper eye and hearing protection, clear your yard of hidden debris before starting, and never let children ride on the machine.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;d rather leave the mowing to someone else, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/\">Lawn Love<\/a> connects you with local pros who handle it for you \u2014 no risk, no hassle.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-e7eac27c-be40-40d8-ae70-b1381a115f0d\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\"><strong>In this article:<\/strong><\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-mower-safety-tips\/#0-1-wear-proper-safety-gear\" style=\"\">1. Wear proper safety gear<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-mower-safety-tips\/#1-2-read-your-mowers-manual\" style=\"\">2. Read your mower&#8217;s manual<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-mower-safety-tips\/#2-3-maintain-your-mower\" style=\"\">3. Maintain your mower<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-mower-safety-tips\/#3-4-inspect-the-mower\" style=\"\">4. Inspect the mower<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-mower-safety-tips\/#4-5-clear-clogs-safely\" style=\"\">5. Clear clogs safely<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-mower-safety-tips\/#5-6-check-for-yard-hazards\" style=\"\">6. Check for yard hazards<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-mower-safety-tips\/#6-7-remove-all-debris-before-mowing\" style=\"\">7. Remove all debris before mowing<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-mower-safety-tips\/#7-8-follow-safe-start-up-rules\" style=\"\">8. Follow safe start-up rules<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-mower-safety-tips\/#8-9-never-reverse-near-children\" style=\"\">9. Never reverse near children<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-mower-safety-tips\/#9-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-1-wear-proper-safety-gear\"><span id=\"1-wear-proper-safety-gear\">1. Wear proper safety gear<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Proper protective gear is your only defense against flying debris and loud equipment.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Andrew Day, owner of <a href=\"https:\/\/aql4u.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Advanced Quality Lawn<\/a> in Northeast Ohio, says, &#8220;If I had to pick only two or three gear items that actually matter, it would be real eye protection, hearing protection, and snug shoes with firm soles(not slides\/crocs) for footing and to avoid getting toes under the deck edge when you pivot.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hearing protection is particularly crucial because gas mowers produce up to 100 decibels \u2014 well above the 85-decibel threshold for permanent hearing damage.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet, Kevin Thompson, owner of <a href=\"https:\/\/sylvanscapes.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sylvan Scapes<\/a> in Staunton, VA, says homeowners frequently skip it, &#8220;underestimating the permanent, cumulative nerve damage caused by the high decibel output.&#8221;<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Gear<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>What it does<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Dust mask<\/td><td>Keeps dirt and pollen out of your lungs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hat with a visor<\/td><td>Provides shade and protects from the sun<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Long sleeves and pants<\/td><td>Protects arms and legs from flying debris<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Heavy shoes&nbsp;<\/td><td>Prevents falls and protects feet from the blade<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Safety glasses<\/td><td>Protects eyes from flying debris<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sunscreen<\/td><td>Protects skin during outdoor chores<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Vibration-dampening gloves<\/td><td>Protects hands and improves grip<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Earmuffs or earplugs<\/td><td>Protects hearing from loud engine noise<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/yard-work-safety-tips\/\">Yard Work Safety Tips<\/a><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-2-read-your-mowers-manual\"><span id=\"2-read-your-mowers-manual\">2. Read your mower&#8217;s manual<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every mower is different. The manual covers your specific fuel needs, weight limits, and safety systems. Never bypass these protections.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;The built-in safety features most often defeated are the operator presence bail on walk-behinds and the reverse interlocks on riders,&#8221; Day says. He warns that disabling them to save time clearing debris is exactly when machines get out of control.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro tip: <\/strong>Use only the blades specified in your manual. The wrong blade is dangerous and can void your warranty.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-3-maintain-your-mower\"><span id=\"3-maintain-your-mower\">3. Maintain your mower<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"733\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/cub-cadet-lawn-mower-blades-michelle-selzer.jpg\" alt=\"Holding a package of 50-inch lawnmower blades in a store.\" class=\"wp-image-38929\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/cub-cadet-lawn-mower-blades-michelle-selzer.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/cub-cadet-lawn-mower-blades-michelle-selzer-300x275.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/cub-cadet-lawn-mower-blades-michelle-selzer-768x704.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/cub-cadet-lawn-mower-blades-michelle-selzer-610x559.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Holding packaged mower blade. Photo Credit: Michelle Selzer \/ Lawn Love<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Skipping spring <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/spring-lawn-mower-maintenance\/\">routine mower maintenance<\/a> doesn&#8217;t just shorten your mower&#8217;s lifespan \u2014 it creates serious, long-term safety hazards.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thompson says using an <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-lawn-mower-maintenance-practices\/\">unmaintained gas mower<\/a> for years risks long-term vibration syndrome, an underestimated hazard leading to chronic nerve damage and severe numbness.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Worn parts also can become dangerous projectiles.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jeff Yochum, maintenance tech at Ring Container Technologies in Valdosta, says, &#8220;If you don&#8217;t grease the spindles, the bearing could lock up. Even worse, it could come apart, sending parts flying.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He adds that neglected blades can also crack and send shrapnel flying.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What to do:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-lawn-mower-maintenance-practices\/\">Change your mower\u2019s oil<\/a> to prevent damaging vibrations.<\/li>    <li>Grease spindles and replace worn blades to prevent shattering.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-change-spark-plugs-lawn-mower\/\">Remove the spark plug<\/a> before servicing blades to prevent accidental starts.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/signs-time-replace-lawn-mower\/\">10 Signs It\u2019s Time to Replace Your Lawn Mower<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-4-inspect-the-mower\"><span id=\"4-inspect-the-mower\">4. Inspect the mower<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before every mow, do a quick visual walk-around to check for loose parts, leaking fuel lines, and worn drive belts.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you need to adjust the deck height or fold the handle, turn the engine off entirely.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;The most common routine hand and foot injuries I see are people adjusting the height lever or folding a handle with the machine still live,&#8221; Day says.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Severe cuts and pinches happen in an instant if the machine shifts.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;My neighbor almost lost a toe to a push <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-sharpen-lawn-mower-blades\/\">mower blade<\/a>,&#8221; Yochum says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What to do:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Check the fuel lines for cracks or leaks before adding gas.<\/li>    <li>Check the drive belts for fraying or wear.<\/li>    <li>Turn off the engine completely if the mower starts vibrating heavily or making strange noises.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-change-lawn-mower-blade\/\">How to Change Your Lawn Mower&#8217;s Blade<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-often-sharpen-mower-blades\/\">How Often to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-5-clear-clogs-safely\"><span id=\"5-clear-clogs-safely\">5. Clear clogs safely<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"574\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/jeff-yochum-riding-mower-maintaince.jpg\" alt=\"Jeff Yochum is examining the lower portion of an orange riding mower, near one of the large rear tires and the cutting deck mechanism.\" class=\"wp-image-38930\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/jeff-yochum-riding-mower-maintaince.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/jeff-yochum-riding-mower-maintaince-300x215.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/jeff-yochum-riding-mower-maintaince-768x551.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/jeff-yochum-riding-mower-maintaince-610x438.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jeff Yochum inspecting a riding mower. Photo Credit: Michelle Selzer \/ Lawn Love<br><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clearing a clog by hand is a major safety hazard. Day cautions against &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-grass-from-clumping-when-mowing\/\">reaching under the deck<\/a> just to pull the wad out,&#8221; noting that the blade can still shift even when the engine is off.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEven with the engine off, the blade can still move from stored momentum, a bumped blade tip, or the driveline\/belt tension settling \u2013 so your fingers become the &#8216;brake&#8217; in a hurry,\u201d he says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Day&#8217;s safe clearing method:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Shut the mower down completely.<\/li>    <li>Disconnect the power (pull the spark plug wire, remove the battery, or take out the key).<\/li>    <li>Use a stick or scraper to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-clean-lawn-mower-deck\/\">clear the jam<\/a> from the side of the discharge chute.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-6-check-for-yard-hazards\"><span id=\"6-check-for-yard-hazards\">6. Check for yard hazards<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Walking your yard before mowing prevents serious accidents.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWalk-behinds hurt people through contact, while riding mowers hurt people through mass and momentum (a heavy forward force),&#8221; Day says. Hitting a hidden hole with that power can easily launch you out of the seat.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Slopes require even more caution.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOne of the most common mistakes we see is mowing straight up and down with a walk-behind mower instead of going side to side,&#8221; says Taylor Olberding, owner of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heroeslawncare.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Heroes Lawn Care<\/a> in Omaha, NE.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What to do:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Push <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/self-propelled-vs-push-mower\/\">mowers on slopes<\/a>. Always mow side-to-side.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-mow-on-a-slope-or-incline\/\">Riding mowers on slopes<\/a>. Always drive straight up and down.<\/li>    <li>Use caution on 15-percent grades. If you feel unsteady or the mower tilts, it&#8217;s too steep.<\/li>    <li>Check whether the <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/why-not-to-mow-wet-grass\/\">lawn is wet<\/a>. It damages the turf and causes dangerous slips.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-7-remove-all-debris-before-mowing\"><span id=\"7-remove-all-debris-before-mowing\">7. Remove all debris before mowing<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because mower blades spin at 200 mph, hitting a rock instantly launches it fast enough to break a window. Day warns that even &#8220;tiny grit and dry clippings come out fast and low.&#8221;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What to do:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-clean-your-yard\/\">Pick up all the yard debris<\/a>, including rocks and sticks, before starting the engine.<\/li>    <li>Never tie up the deflector shield; keep it down to block flying debris.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-mowing-mistakes\/\">13 Common Lawn Mowing Mistakes<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-8-follow-safe-start-up-rules\"><span id=\"8-follow-safe-start-up-rules\">8. Follow safe start-up rules<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"523\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/michelle-selzer-starting-mower.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up of the control panel of a Husqvarna riding lawnmower shows a hand engaging the ignition. The panel includes a digital hour display, levers for choke and lights, and safety features like an emergency stop button.\" class=\"wp-image-38932\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/michelle-selzer-starting-mower.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/michelle-selzer-starting-mower-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/michelle-selzer-starting-mower-768x502.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/michelle-selzer-starting-mower-610x399.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Starting riding mower. Photo Credit: Michelle Selzer \/ Lawn Love<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Starting the engine safely requires a few strict rules, beginning with who is allowed to operate the machine: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children must be at least 12 to use a push mower and 16 to drive a riding mower.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always prepare and start gas mowers outdoors.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Starting a gas mower in a closed garage can allow carbon monoxide to build up to dangerous levels within minutes,&#8221; Olberding says. He points out that you may not realize the risk of this invisible gas until it\u2019s too late and you feel dizzy.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What to do:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Only start gas mowers outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide buildup in garages or sheds.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-dispose-of-gasoline\">Fill the gas tank outdoors<\/a> while the engine is completely cold.<\/li>    <li>If you run out of gas mid-mow, wait at least 10 minutes for the engine to cool down before refueling.<\/li>    <li>Never operate a mower under the influence of drugs or alcohol.<\/li>    <li>Don&#8217;t touch the engine cover while the mower is running\u2014it gets extremely hot.<\/li>    <li>Turn off the mower completely when it&#8217;s unattended or not in use.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-9-never-reverse-near-children\"><span id=\"9-never-reverse-near-children\">9. Never reverse near children<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Backing up a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-riding-lawn-mowers\/\">riding mower<\/a> is one of the most dangerous situations when mowing your lawn. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that riding mowers cause about 90 fatalities annually, and 1 in 5 victims is a child, typically struck when a driver backs up without seeing them.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because a heavy cutting deck can pull a child under in a split second, keeping them far away is your only defense.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;If they are close enough that you have to raise your voice to warn them instantly, they are too close,&#8221; Day says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What to do:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Mow forward whenever possible. Plan your pattern to minimize reversing.<\/li>    <li>Before backing up, stop completely, look behind you, and confirm the area is clear.<\/li>    <li>Keep kids and pets inside behind closed doors.<\/li>    <li>Never allow a child to ride along on a riding mower, even for a short trip.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-faqs\"><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1776028335054\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">When is the best time to mow my grass?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/the-best-time-to-cut-grass\/\">best time to mow<\/a> is mid-morning (8-11 a.m.). The dried dew reduces the risk of slipping, and the cooler temperatures prevent stressing the lawn.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1776028340990\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Are electric or battery mowers safer to operate than gas mowers?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Battery or <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/electric-vs-gas-lawn-mowers\/\">electric mowers<\/a> eliminate gas hazards, but Day says a trigger bump can still start the blade. Olberding adds that their quietness creates a false sense of safety. Always remove the battery before maintenance.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1776028346624\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do I safely store a gas mower between seasons?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">To prevent damage and fire risks, empty the gas tank or add fuel stabilizer. Store the mower and extra fuel in a dry place, away from living spaces and heat sources.<br><br><strong>Read more: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-winterize-lawn-mower\/\">How to Winterize Your Lawn Mower<\/a>\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-hire-a-lawn-care-pro\"><span id=\"hire-a-lawn-care-pro\">Hire a lawn care pro<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The safest way to handle mowing is to hand it off entirely. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/\">Lawn Love<\/a> connects you with local professionals. You can get an instant quote, pick a time, and your lawn gets handled right without the risk.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: Person mowing lawn in warm evening sunlight. Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/a-person-using-a-lawn-mower-6728919\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Experts advise wearing proper safety gear, clearing hidden debris, and keeping children safely away to prevent fatal lawn mower injuries and save lives.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":71,"featured_media":8653,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[331],"tags":[350],"class_list":["post-8650","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-equipment","tag-lawn-care-equipment"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/rsz_1pexels-magic-k-6728919.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Luminita Toma","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/luminita-toma\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8650","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/71"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8650"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8650\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48253,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8650\/revisions\/48253"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8653"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8650"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8650"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8650"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}