Spring is upon us and most people now begin to get ready for mowing season. I wanted to remind everyone of a few important safety rules:

- If you're working on your push mower and especially on your mower blade, for god's sake people, remove the wire from the spark plug. The mower can start if you turn the blade.

- Don't mow with the chute tied open, it can throw rocks and other object out at a very high speed and injure someone or damage property. Don't ask me how I know.

- Check the area for people, obstacles and objects laying in/on the grass before you start mowing.

- Always wear safety glasses and long pants when using a string trimmer, and especially when edging. The trimmer can throw rocks and dirt directly into your eyes.

- Use hearing protection - your hearing is precious.

- Before backing up with your riding mower, stop and check behind you so you don't run over something or someone.

- Handle chemicals carefully and follow label instructions on personal protection equipment to be worn. Some of this stuff is no joke.

- Always read the manual to educate yourself on proper operation and safety procedures before operating equipment.

Let's not find out the hard way why these rules exist.

If you have some safety tips of your own feel free to post them. It's always best to learn from someone else's mistakes and not your own.