Now that your kids are out of school, chances are your yard will be one place where they will spend lots of time playing with their friends. While it's great they will be sticking close to home where you can keep an eye on them, you also need to be aware that there are certain things you can do to make your yard a safe place to play. To increase your yard's safety and ensure your kids aren't making a trip to the ER, here are some things you can do as summer begins.
Inspect Outdoor Play Structures
If your kids have a clubhouse, tree fort, playhouse, or other outdoor play structure in your yard, make sure you regularly inspect it for potential hazards. In warm weather, you should be on the lookout for signs of bee nests. After all, not only do bee stings hurt, but they can also be life-threatening if your kids are allergic to bee stings. If you notice signs of bee nests, get rid of them right away.
Install Fencing
Should you have small children who like to play outside, consider installing fencing that has self-latching and self-closing gates. If you don't want to install fencing, lattice screening can also be very effective at keeping your kids reigned in where you know they are safe. Remember, it only takes a split second for a child to disappear from a yard.
Get Rid of Poisonous Plants
While older kids likely won't eat plants or flowers, toddlers sometimes make this mistake. Unfortunately, many plants and flowers can be toxic if eaten. To prevent an accident or potential tragedy, rid your yard of any plants or flowers that may be toxic to humans if eaten. Even after doing so, it's also smart to keep the Poison Control Center phone number on speed dial as an added precaution.
Secure Your Swimming Pool
Along with running around in the yard, your kids will also want to take a dip in the pool now and then. Because of this, it is always a good idea to secure the area around your pool. For example, keep doors and gates leading to the pool locked, and consider adding door and window sensors. Also, keep your pool covered when not in use, and always make sure younger kids have older children or adults with them at all times when playing in the pool.
If you implement these tips, your backyard will be one of the safest places your kids and their friends can be when playing during the summer.
