Six Tips to Properly Use and Maintain a Leaf Blower

ERIE, Pa., Oct. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The amount of leaves on the ground is a sure sign that fall is in full swing. If a leaf blower is something you can't live without this time of year, Erie Insurance provides six tips to help you stay safe and extend the life of your leaf blower.

1. Give it the Right Fuel
   Most leaf blowers run on a mix of unleaded gas and 2-cycle oil. Before you start your leaf blower, check your user manual to find out exactly what fuel it takes.
    
2. Use the Lowest Power Setting
   Running your leaf blower at full throttle puts a lot of wear and tear on it. Start with the lowest power setting and work up from there - you may need less power than you think.
    
3. Steer Clear of Obstructions
   Most leaf blowers have plastic parts that are easily cracked. For that reason, do your best to avoid banging your blower against anything.
    
4. Wear the Right Protection Gear
   Protect yourself by wearing earplugs, goggles that meet eye protection standards, nonslip gloves, nonslip shoes, close-fitting clothing and long pants.
    
5. Regularly Check the Filter
   The filter should be free of debris and in good condition. Give it a clean in warm, soapy water if it's particularly dirty. If it's worn or old, toss it and get a replacement filter.
    
6. Store in a Dry, Safe Place
   A leaf blower should be stored in a well-ventilated area far away from dangerous chemicals or anything that could light the gasoline.

If upkeep on a leaf blower is just too much for you, a good old-fashioned rake is always an option. As with any physical activity, injury is always a risk. Contact an Erie Insurance agent to make sure you have the right homeowners insurance plan to protect you should anything happen on your property.

Erie Insurance Group
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 9^th largest homeowners insurer and 11^th largest automobile insurer in the United States based on direct premiums written and the 16^th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net premium written. The Group, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, has more than 5 million policies in force and operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia. Erie Insurance Group is a FORTUNE 500 company.

News releases and more information about Erie Insurance Group are available at www.erieinsurance.com.

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SOURCE Erie Insurance