As summer kicks into high gear, mowing the lawn becomes a weekly – and sometimes dangerous - chore for millions of homeowners. According to the University of Michigan Health System, about 75,000 Americans are injured each year in lawn mower accidents, nearly 10,000 of which are children.

“Lawn mowers can become dangerous instruments when used improperly or in a careless manner, resulting in limb amputations or other types of debilitating injuries,” said Dr. Ron Derr, a foot and ankle specialist at The Bone & Joint Clinic in Franklin. “Fortunately, most of these accidents can be prevented by following some basic safety precautions.

Derr provided the following tips to help avoid lawn mower-related injuries:

• Before you begin mowing, walk around the yard and make sure it is clear of toys, sticks, stones or other debris.

• Add fuel before starting the engine as a hot engine can ignite gas fumes.

• Start or refuel a lawn mower outside, not in a shed or garage.

• Make sure children and pets are out of the yard and in a supervised place while mowing.

• If using a riding mower, do not allow children to ride as passengers.

• Never leave a running lawn mower unattended.

• Wear long pants and sturdy shoes, and never mow in sandals or barefoot.

• Avoid loose clothing or dangling jewelry that could get caught in the controls.

• Wear eye protection, such as glasses, sunglasses or goggles, while mowing.

• Avoid cutting grass when it is wet or there is lightening in the area.

• Do not pull the mower backward unless absolutely necessary.

• When mowing on uneven surfaces such as hills or slopes, mow up and down with a riding mower and across with a push mower.

• Keep a running lawn mower off the pavement – the lawn helps keep objects from being hurled at a high speed, but once on the pavement, there is no such protection.

• In addition to shutting off the engine and making sure the blade has completely stopped rotating, disconnect the spark plug before removing lawn debris or adjusting the height of the mower’s wheels.

Derr noted that the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery recommends children not operate riding lawn mowers until they are 16 years old. Push power mowers may be operated by younger teens, with proper adult supervision.

Of course, it’s always a good idea to review the owner’s manual for operating and care instructions prior to the start of each mowing season.

Following a few basic mowing safety precautions will help keep you and your family safe this summer and lessen the chance of an unscheduled trip to the emergency room.