(HealthDayNews) -- Are you itching to get your yard in shape for summer?

While the task may seem like child's play, some outdoor chores can be accidents waiting to happen.

St. John Ambulance Canada offers these safety tips:

• Rake your lawn before you mow to ensure you've collected objects that could become projectiles under the mower blade.
• Give your mower a spring tune up and perform a safety check before you start it.
• Don't use electrical appliances in wet or damp areas.
• Wear gloves, goggles, and a mask when handling pesticides or fertilizers.
• Don't burn debris. There's always the risk of the fire getting out of control.
  
  -- Felicity Stone
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