The backyard can be a fun and wonderful environment in which kids can explore and play. However, there are hazards that can pose a risk to those youngsters. It is important for parents to assess the safety of their yards and make any necessary changes.
1- Have Rules
Establishing rules for the backyard is very important. These rules may include items that address misbehaviors such as pushing or hitting. They may also include ways for kids to play on any equipment so as to keep them as safe as possible. Having the rules posted somewhere and reviewed with visitors before play can also be helpful.
2- Remove Harmful Plants
Another thing that needs to be looked at is the vegetation in the yard. Remove any plants or flowers that are toxic to humans or animals. There is always a risk of children or animals consuming foliage that may be poisonous. This may even include plants that can cause a problem even if they are just touched. Removing them is no different than keeping young children away from other toxins that might be found in the home.
3- Cut Down Dead Trees
Trees are usually a positive part of any yard, but when they die, it is important to take care of ridding the area of them. Not only can dead trees cause obstructions in the yard, but they can also harbor many types of insects and other pests. They also are unstable and could potentially collapse and cause injury to someone. One way must be to have dead trees professionally cut down.
4- Install a Fence
If children are playing in a yard that does not have a fence, they could also be in more danger. Not only could they wander away and get lost, but other unwanted people or animals could also enter the yard and potentially cause harm. A fence does not guarantee full safety, but it is a good way to deter others from entering your yard, and it is a good way to define the area of play for the child.
5- Keep Inspecting Your Yard
It is always important to be on the lookout for any hazards that may come into the yard. These may include things such as a new hornet nest or perhaps tools that have been left lying in the yard. Some of these tools might be especially enticing, such as a ladder, and should be securely stored away from small children. Some hazards may be more natural in nature, but still, pose dangers such as anthills or holes in the yard. Frequent inspection of the yard can diminish some of these hazards.
6- Put a Barrier around the Pool
Having a pool is always something to get excited about, however, pools can be very dangerous and require even more vigilant monitoring. Since drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in those four and under, safety steps are particularly important. Make sure there is no access to the pool by placing locks on both windows and doors that lead out to the area. Also, put sensors on those entryways to provide an alert. It is also very important to have a fence around the perimeter of the pool that is locked and not easily accessible. Adult supervision is also imperative.
7- Ensure Play Structures are Safe
If you have play structures in your yard, make sure to inspect those frequently so make sure they are safe. If there are rotting boards, loose railings, or bolts that are protruding, make sure to fix them. Do not allow your child to play on them until after they are fixed. Also, you might rethink putting that trampoline in the yard. These can be so dangerous that many insurance companies require they be removed in order to ensure the property.
8- Make Sure Grilling Equipment is Out of the Way
Since a big part of the backyard is the grilling and entertaining that is done, make sure to be safe about this activity as well. Make sure children stay away from the grill when in use, and never allow them to be left alone around it. There are too many items that can be dangerous, such as matches and lighter fluid. Always make sure that any of these items are locked up along with the propane when they are not in use.
Nothing beats the constant supervision that a parent can bring to their child when they play outside. Not only can parents perhaps see hazards that the child may not see, but in the event something bad does occur, they are able to handle it much quicker. Making safety a priority is so important since allowing your children to play in the yard is good for developing not only their physical skills but also their social development.