They are the trusty workhorses usually stabled nearby: lawn mowers, string trimmers, generators, snow throwers and the like. But outdoor power equipment just might be the ultimate unsung heroes.
According to the folks at The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute in Virginia. they do much more than keep lawns well-manicured and hedges tidy. Some can save your life in an emergency. And the institute has identified eight ways they make life better.
1. Power through snow barriers. Get out the leaf blower to quickly and easily eliminate light, fluffy snow from your front steps, driveway, vehicle, or front walk. If the snow is heavy, turn on your trusty snow thrower. And your pet will thank you for clearing snow from a section of the yard for private business.
2. Build neighbourly connections. It might be an elderly person who just can’t manage or a family taking care of a member who’s under the weather – sometimes a neighbour needs a helping hand. Just bust out a lawn mower, hedge trimmer, snow thrower or whatever the occasion warrants.
3. Battle forest fires. Chainsaws play a critical role in forest management. When dead trees are removed, they can’t become tinder for fires. Firefighters also use chainsaws when clearing areas to stop an advancing fire.
4. Help fight climate change. Mulching leaves and grass clippings with a mower or an attachment for your lawn mower helps return that organic matter to Mother Earth. The soil gains valuable nutrients, helping to invigorate your lawn and garden.
5. Rescue accident victims. Seconds count when people are stuck in a damaged vehicle. Emergency personnel rely on the jaws of life—a form of outdoor power equipment — to pry open doors and get them out quickly.
6. Broadcast the news. Satellite television trucks used by television news crews often turn to generator power to broadcast the news to the world and edit incoming video footage.
7. Plan a wonderful outdoor party. A portable generator is for more than emergencies. Use it to power music, heat, lights and other comforts that will make for a fun outdoor party, barbecue or camping trip.
8. Clean up debris. Use a rake attachment on your utility task vehicle (UTV) to collect fallen branches after an ice storm or during an autumn cleanup. And haul that holiday tree or firewood where they need to go with the UTV too! •
