Weathering the Storm: Husqvarna Dealers Offer Eight Essential Tips for Clearing Debris with a Chainsaw

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Storm season beckons ... and as soon as a powerful thunderstorm, tornado or hurricane strikes, clean-up begins.

Many brave weekend warriors volunteer to supplement the work of experts in removing debris. But some have never used a chainsaw in stressful and rigorous circumstances ... so Husqvarna dealers are sharing time-tested advice for use before, during and after clean-up activity.

Through interviews with some top dealers, Husqvarna has identified Eight Essential Tips for Clearing Debris with a Chainsaw, as follows:

1. Safety First. Get adequate training before a crisis strikes. Check with your local Husqvarna dealer for course recommendations, and supplement training by viewing online videos. And don't forget to thoroughly read the manufacturer's owner's manual.
2. Be Prepared. Don't use a chainsaw without a complete regimen of personal protective equipment (PPE). Essential elements include a helmet, a visor and protective glasses to ward off scratches and sawdust spray, earmuffs to protect against harmful loud noises, chaps, work gloves and protective boots.
   Dante Terzigni, of Do-Cut Sales and Service in Youngstown, Ohio, says it's important to be prepared before the storm: "You aren't going to go buy safety equipment right after a storm if you can't get out of your driveway."
3. Map It Out. Before you begin, assess the full scope of damage. Create a plan for how to prioritize the work and how to team-up with others to get it done. According to Mike Hope, a longtime Husqvarna user and certified arborist from Cape Cod, Mass., "Carefully walk the property and look for downed power lines. NEVER cut a tree that is laying on or touching a power line."
4. Know Your Limitations. Don't volunteer for a job you're unprepared to handle. There will be plenty of work to go around, so tackle tasks you can comfortably and safely undertake. Plus, take plenty of breaks and stay hydrated; most mistakes occur when you're tired.
5. Buddy Up. No one should trim trees alone, given the immense risk of error or injury. Pair up with another volunteer, but stay a safe distance apart when your chainsaws are in use.
6. A Good Start. A chainsaw is best started on flat ground, with the chain brake engaged. Don't "cut" corners during intense, fast-paced clean-up efforts.
7. The Right Cut. Relieving tension from a branch or tree limb requires careful pruning. Many types of cuts can be used, depending on the situation – all the more reason to get chainsaw training before you need it!
8. Pamper Your Equipment. Ongoing maintenance is critical, since you'll be pushing your chainsaw hard. Pause often to clean filters and tighten chains. "It's wise to have extra chains and files to sharpen them," observed Bill Johnson, Coastal Equipment Rentals, Cape Cod, Mass. "Many downed trees are in the dirt and chains can dull quickly."

To find a Husqvarna dealer near you, visit the Dealer Locator section at www.husqvarna.com. To learn more, join the conversation by "liking" Husqvarna on Facebook (www.facebook.com/HusqvarnaUSA) and by following Husqvarna on Twitter (www.twitter.com/HusqvarnaUSA).

About Husqvarna

Husqvarna Professional Products Inc. is a subsidiary of the Husqvarna Group.  Husqvarna Group is the world's largest producer of outdoor power products including robotic lawn mowers, garden tractors, chainsaws and trimmers. The Group is also the European leader in consumer watering products and one of the world leaders in cutting equipment and diamond tools for the construction and stone industries. Founded in 1689 and celebrating over 325 years of engineering innovation, the Group's products and solutions are sold via dealers and retailers to both consumers and professional users in more than 100 countries. Net sales in 2014 amounted to 32.8 billion SEK, and the Group had 14,337 employees on average in more than 40 countries. High-resolution images and Web images are available at www.husqvarna.com/us.

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SOURCE Husqvarna

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