Lawn mower safety is important for everyone, but children present a particular risk.

Children move quickly, and the noise of a mower can keep you from hearing a child approach, says Henry Guzman, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

Children can be run over by mowers or hit by flying debris, which a mower can propel with dangerous force. The department's Division of Emergency Medical Services and Safe Kids Ohio offer these tips for safe mower operation:

• Keep children and pets inside while operating a lawn mower.

• Clear the yard of twigs, tools, toys and debris before mowing.

• Read the operator's manual to learn all safety features of the mower.

• Never leave a mower running unattended.

• Don't let children play on or around a mower, regardless of whether it's in use or in storage.

• No one younger than 12 should operate a walk-behind mower. A riding mower operator should be at least 16.

• Never allow extra riders on a riding mower.