For Immediate Release: Chainsaw Safety Season

Freeport, ME (July, 2011). When a summer thunderstorm rolls through with heavy winds knocking down trees and limbs, many homeowners don’t think twice about grabbing a chainsaw to clear the debris on their property. They should. The limb they may end up cutting may be their own. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, chainsaws are responsible for over 40,000 emergency room visits each year in the United States, and 36% of the injuries are to legs and knees. The average chainsaw injury requires 110 stitches and the average medical cost is estimated to be over $12,000.00. Being ignorant of chainsaw safety just doesn’t cut it.

Knowing how to use and maintain a chainsaw and using the proper safety equipment can help prevent serious injury. A quick look online searching “chainsaw accident” will yield too many stories of personal tragedy involving chainsaws. Personal injury isn’t the only issue for the homeowner using a chainsaw though. Using proper felling techniques can help prevent damage caused by trees falling in the wrong direction and hitting structures or vehicles. Proper maintenance can also save dollars by extending the useful life of a chainsaw and reduced repair costs.

Wolfe’s Neck Farm in Freeport is offering Level One and Level Two chainsaw classes for adults starting in August through October. John Cullen, retired from Bowdoin College and a teacher for five years with the Certified Logging Program, will be instructing, “I have been cooking and heating with wood since 1979, I was self taught with the chainsaw until taking the formal training 10 years ago. I was amazed at how much there was to learn even after 20 years experience as a wood cutter and part-time logger.” John is active with the Maine Organic Farmer’s and Gardeners Association in the Low Impact Forestry Program.

Level One Classes, cover many topics including personal protection equipment and safety features of the chainsaw, will be offered three times: August 6, September 3 and September 17. All participants will get to cut down a tree as part of the class. Level Two Classes, which cover more advanced cutting techniques, will be offered twice: August 20, and October 1. Attendance at the Level One class is recommended before attending a level two class. Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment for assessment at the class. Classes will be held from 8:00 to 4:30. The class is for adults, and there is a fee for participation, registration is required. For more information on the chainsaw classes, please contact Wolfe’s Neck Farm at 865-4469x102 or visit www.wolfesneckfarm.org/chainsaw-safety.

Contact:
Eric Tadlock
Director of Education
Wolfe’s Neck Farm
(207) 865-4469x106
etadlock@wolfesneckfarm.org

Wolfe’s Neck Farm is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture, education, and recreation while preserving open space. Set on 626 oceanfront acres, the Farm includes hiking trails, a demonstration barn and gardens, community garden space and an award-winning oceanfront campground. Wolfe’s Neck Farm offers programs including a summer camp, Do-It-Yourself classes and Community Forum events to educate both children and adults about sustainability.

Eric Tadlock
Director of Education
Wolfe’s Neck Farm
184 Burnett Road
Freeport, Maine 04032
(207) 865-4469x106

This release was published on openPR.