Ready for some outdoor exercise and adventure?  Here are a few pointers.

•     Winter’s inactive muscles can take only so much strain.  Don’t overdo it — build up slowly so you don’t have strains that can put you out of commission for some time.

•     It may look appealing, but don’t wander on the frozen Bay or streams.  The ice is beginning to thaw, and you never know just how thin the ice really is.

•     Springtime is also severe weather time.  If the skies look threatening, check to see if a storm watch or warning has been issued before you initiate outdoor activities.

If you’re already outside and thunderstorms threaten, go immediately into a building or enclosed vehicle.

Yardwork Safety

Itching to get the yard into shape for the summer?  Here are ways to help ensure your spring spruce-up is disaster-free.

•    Limber up.  Yard chores may seem easy, but they involve muscles you probably haven’t used in a while.

•    Always wear protective clothing when you handle pesticides and fertilizers,

•    More than 60,000 people are treated in emergency rooms each year for lawn-mower injuries.

   - Rake before you mow to prevent any stones and loose debris from launching into the air.

   - Never operate a mower in your bare feet and avoid wearing loose clothing.

   - Never start a mower indoors.

   - When refueling your mower, make sure the engine is off and cool.  Don’t spill gasoline on a hot engine — and don’t smoke while pouring gasoline.

   - Never leave your mower operational while unattended.

   - Don’t use electrical mowers on wet grass.                                                                

•    At least 55,000 people each year sustain injuries from trimmers, lawn edgers, pruners and power saws.  Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using the tools.

   - Inspect the product for damage and don’t use it if there are problems.

   - Use proper eye protection.

   - Make sure blade guards are in place on all cutting equipment.

   - Don’t let tools get wet unless they are labeled “immersible.”

   - Unplug all tools when not in use.

   - Make sure the tool is in the “off’ position before you plug it in.

   - Store gasoline-powered equipment away from anything that uses a pilot light.

   - Make sure you use the right saw for the task, and always wait for the saw blade to stop before pulling away from a cut to avoid kickback.

•     When pruning trees, be careful not to let metal ladders or trimmers contact overhead wires.

•     Before you do any “hands on weed removal, make sure you know how to identify poison ivy, sumac, and oak, and similar toxic plants. Find out ahead of time how to treat the rashes they cause to reduce the irritation.

Ladder Safety

Ready to do some home repairs? On average about 145,000 people visit the emergency room each year because of ladder mishaps. Here are a few safety steps:

•       Read the manufacturer’s instructions that come with your ladder They contain guidelines for weight and height limits as well as for the proper use of their product.

•       Inspect the ladder before using it to make sure there are no loose or broken rungs.

•       Make sure the ladder is the right height for the job. Many accidents happen when people over extend their reach because their ladders are too short.

•       Never stand on a ladder’s bucket shelf.

•       Make sure the ladder is completely open and that all of its feet are planted on a firm, level surface. Extension ladders should not be placed at an angle that is too extreme.

•      Avoid using a metal ladder near electrical sources.

•      Face the ladder when climbing down and make sure your weight is centered between the two sides.