When spring is in full swing, families spend more time outside enjoying the wonderful weather... manicuring their lawns, planting gardens, and cooking out.

Here are some important safety tips from the Oklahoma City Fire Department.

Lawn Care Equipment

Make sure all equipment is in good repair.
Be sure blade guards are in place on all cutting and trimming equipment.
Wear proper eye protection when using equipment.
Store gasoline-powered equipment away from ignition sources, such as a water heater or pilot light. It's best to store equipment outside, or in a storage shed.

Use only approved containers marked for gasoline use. Never store gasoline in glass jars, soda bottles, or milk jugs.
Never use gasoline to clean skin, clothes, auto parts, or floors.
When refueling equipment, make sure the engine is off and cool. Don't risk spilling gasoline on a hot engine.
Don't smoke while using gasoline.

Be sure to set up your grill away from structures, especially overhangs.
Don't use a grill in the breezeway or balcony of an apartment.
Don't pour lighter fluid on coals that are already hot. This can cause a flash fire. The flames may have died down, but there's still tremendous heat in the charcoal.
When using a gas grill, turn the gas on and immediately light the grill. Don't allow gas to build up before lighting.
Remember that gas grills can produce dangerous carbon monoxide.

Be sure to get the right type of couplings if you exchange your tank. There are three basic types and they are not compatible; however, two of the fittings will appear to go together, but will leak profusely when the tank is turned on.
Light the grill immediately after turning on the gas, do not allow gas to build up or it could flash when ignited.
After use, turn off the gas and the valve at the bottle so that gas will not escape and build up.