5 ON YOUR SIDE: Fall cleanup safety

Fall clean-up can be a lot easier when you get the whole family involved. But jobs like mowing, mulching, and blowing leaves require powerful—and sometimes heavy—equipment. Consumer Reports says a little preparation can help keep kids and teens safer, whether they’re helping around the family yard or looking to make some extra money in the neighborhood.

Robert Pigan, who now runs his family’s landscaping business, got his start doing fall clean-ups as a kid in his own neighborhood.

“We started as kids just doing fall clean-ups and started knocking on doors with the leaf blowers and tried to get a little side money going,” Pigan said. “From there, it just kind of skyrocketed.”

Whether your kids are eager to help—or need a little encouragement—Consumer Reports says the first step is m...