( StatePoint ) Summer fun and chores alike come with potential hazards to feet . According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons , here ’ s how to protect feet and ankles from the most common seasonal hazards : Be DIY Safe DIY projects like power washing , roofing and decking require ramped up safety measures . Always wear closed-toed shoes with traction to prevent injuries , splinters ,

puncture wounds and falls . Mowing can be particularly hazardous . The U . S . Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates more than 37,000 Americans suffer a power mower-related injury annually .

“ Lawnmower blades whirl at 3,000 revolutions per minute . Yet we see patients who ’ ve been hurt operating a mower barefoot ,” said Matthew Dairman , DPM , FACFAS , a board-certified foot and

ankle surgeon and a Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons ( ACFAS ). “ Foot injuries range from dirty , infection-prone lacerations to severed tendons to amputated toes . People need to take lawn mowing safety seriously because the injuries can , indeed , be very serious .”

To avoid becoming a statistic , follow these sensible guidelines :

• Don ’ t mow a wet lawn . Losing control from slipping

on rain-soaked grass is the leading cause of foot injuries caused by power mowers .

• Wear heavy shoes or work boots — no sneakers or sandals .

• Never pull a running mower backward .

• Keep the clip bag attached during operation to prevent projectile injuries .

• Use a mower with a release mechanism that automatically shuts it off when hands let go .

• Always keep children