It is storm season, and as soon as a tornado or hurricane hits, clean-up gets started.

Commonly, storm clean-up involves engagement from volunteers who supplement the work of specialists in clearing away miles of rubbish. Many are weekend warriors who have never tackled such an immense task – and may also never have used a chainsaw in such rigorous circumstances.

Those brave volunteers need some instruction on how to prepare for, use and maintain a chainsaw throughout the time of intense storm clean-up efforts.

Jared Abrojena, an Antioch, California-based certified treeworker and licensed arborist, addresses the topic in layman’s terms. The 2015 ISA Tree Climbing World Champion, Abrojena is an knowledgeable pertaining to cut as well as chop down trees. He regularly shares insights from his very own experience working with a team of arborists to clean hundreds of fallen trees on the grounds of the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, just weeks prior to 2013 Masters.

Abrojena’s 9 necessary guidelines – if followed – assures that the work of brave storm clean-up volunteers is safe and effective. They are:

Safety first.

Take some time to practice just before getting started. Don’t forget to read through the owner’s guidebook for the chainsaw you will definitely be using.

Be prepared.

This is a catch-all of guidelines concerning regular chainsaw maintenance and the possession of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Map it out.

Measure the total range of damage, and constructing a plan for how you can tackle it. The plan should include coordinating with other volunteers, divvying up the function and prioritizing

Identify your limitations.

Don’t volunteer for a job you are unprepared for. There will be lots of work to go around, so simply handle tasks that you are comfortable handling.

Buddy up.

No one should cut trees on their own, considering the risk of error or injury. Pair up with another volunteer, yet stay a safe distance apart when operating saws.

A good start.

A chainsaw is best started on the ground, with the chain brake engaged. Tend not to “cut” corners throughout the time of intense, fast-paced clean-up efforts.

The correct cut.

To have the right cut, use careful pruning techniques to relieve tension from a branch or tree limb.

Relax.

You aren’t Superman, and most mistakes happen when you’re worn out. Have regular rests and remain replenished with water.

Pamper your equipment.

Constant maintenance during the course of storm clean-up is important, since you’ll be pushing your chainsaw hard. Pause frequently to clean filters and tighten chains.

Interested? Speak to Kelsey Walker of Ketchum (404) 879-9294 or kelsey.walker@ketchum.com for more info and also to request a personalized byliner from Abrojena for your publication.

How to : Safety Tips for Using a ChainSaw

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