Did you know your backyard could be hiding potential dangers you’ve never noticed? Dive into this post to uncover common hazards and discover expert-backed safety tips to transform your outdoor haven into a worry-free space.
Source: Frontgate
It’s officially spring, and before we get fully engrossed in our outdoor yard and patio, there are tips to making sure that our outdoor space is safe.
- Safety First
- Cleaning and Prepping PATIO area
- Enjoying our Patios
That being said , it means it’s time to look at some backyard safety tips. Let’s face it, with Winters, final ado and spending time indoors, we’re ready for the outdoor living.. now it’s time to get out of the house and spend some time in our backyard!
As they say, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”! Of course, this is true in your outdoor space let’s make sure to keep a few backyard safety tips in mind before our children start playing outside and we are entertaining Family and Friends:
Evaluate Your Outdoor Space
Let’s ensure your backyard is a haven for safe play! After your gardening adventures, give those tools a cozy spot and neatly wrap up the garden hose. Before your little ones embark on their outdoor escapades, take a moment to glance around. Keep an eye out for prickly plants, buzzing beehives, and remember to store grilling gear, like lighter fluid, safely. Set clear boundaries for play areas to ensure a worry-free playtime!
Unstable Trees
Accidents involving falling trees and branches are very common. Even if you don’t get injured, a falling tree/branch could cause major damage to your property. It’s important to get any leaning or damaged trees inspected to see how much of a risk they pose. Companies as found at salslandscapetree.com can meanwhile help you safely remove a tree. Do not attempt to chop down a tree yourself – especially larger trees – unless you know what you are doing. Be wary that removing some trees may require you to get permission from your local zoning board.
Slippery Surfaces
Many outdoor surfaces can become slippery when wet or icy. This can lead to fall injuries. It’s recommended that you add non-slip coatings to surfaces around pools. When snow or frost is expected, it can also be worth sprinkling down grit on patio paving or decking. You can further reduce the risk of falls by wearing footwear with a lot of grip when using your backyard in muddy or snowy conditions. Don’t go outside in your slippers unless you want to slip!
Poorly-located Fires and Fire Pit Tables
Fire pits, Fire pit tables, barbecues and bonfires can all be major hazards. A big mistake that many people make is positioning them in the wrong place. Putting a fire too close to a fence or shed could cause it to set alight. Similarly, some people make the mistake of placing barbecues under awnings or pergolas that can end up going up in flames. Ideally, open fires should be located on stone surfaces away from any potentially flammable objects. It may sound like we’re stating the obvious but things do happen.
Poisonous Plants
Some everyday plants found in backyards can be toxic. These may not be too much of an issue for you, but could be a potential danger if you have pets. I know when I moved to Arizona we were told we were not allowed to grow Oleander. I always wanted to plant that flower and Arizona is the perfect Climate for it. I was unaware of why they mandated that. Then I inherited my Mae (Yorkie) and other Dog Owners warned me about that plant as well as others. I was truly grateful and thankful.
Many puppies die each year from chewing toxic plants. What are some common examples to look out for? Azaleas, daffodils, lilies, tulips and foxgloves are all potentially deadly. Some human edible plants like tomatoes can even be toxic if consumed by a dog. Avoid growing these plants if you have curious pets or grow them in places where your dogs can’t reach (you can find a full list here at PetMD.com.
Unprotected Pool
This is one of the most important steps you can take in making your backyard safe for kids and pets. Home swimming pools are sadly responsible for many deaths each year. If you have young children, you need to be very wary of them playing around an open pool. It’s worth investing in a pool cover that fully seals the pool and cannot be easily opened. There are many affordable choices out there.
Other safety measures are important to take if you have a pool. As already mentioned, you should consider adding a non-slip coating to hard surfaces around pools. Affordable fencing in the Pool Area is another way for protection for your family and pets.
Make sure your pool area has a fence. A fence is only a first defense against tragedy. You should also consider a self closing and/or self-latching gate, among other precautions. However, it’s also important to avoid using electrical items in and around your pool, and to regularly test the water quality for chemical imbalances to ensure that it’s safe to go in.
Beware of Chemicals
Make sure you’re aware of any chemicals or protectants used on your lawn and any plants throughout your yard. This is especially important if you hire a landscaper, who may use substances that you are unfamiliar with. Although some highly toxic pesticides are being banned, these poisons can still be present. If they are, they can be absorbed through the skin or by mouth, so it is important to recognize the signs of poisoning. This can include headaches, dizziness, rashes and difficulty breathing. If you suspect that your child has ingested or has come into contact with poison, contact Poison Control. (Additional files for input: April 15, 2020 child safety store admin).
Check Play-Set
An outdoor play-set is only fun so long as no one gets hurt. First, make sure that the equipment meets safety standards. Based on your child’s age, consider things like the height of the set’s platforms and presence of guardrails. Also be aware of how the material of your play-set can affect safety. A metal slide that has been out in the sun all afternoon can be hot to the touch and cause burns. Last, be sure that your child knows how to properly use the equipment. For instance, children should always go down a slide feet-first.
Source: Home Depot
Prepare Our Children for Safety
When you’ve done all of the above backyard safety tips to make sure your yard is safe for your children to play in, don’t forget one last important step. Make sure your children and us adults as well, are equipped for safety! Apply sunscreen to protect them from the sun. Cover up in appropriate clothes and apply insect repellent to avoid tick and bug bites. Create a set of ground rules and have them repeat them back. Last, be sure to actively supervise your children while they swim and play.
Conclusion
As you look out at the beauty of your backyard oasis, remember these key points to keep your loved ones safe and sound. Simple steps and early prevention will be key precautions that will ensures peace of mind. With a little attention to detail and proactive measures, your outdoor haven will continue to be a source of joy and relaxation for all.
I want to also say how much I appreciate your ongoing support and readership – you’re not just a reader, but a valued friend on my blogging journey! Your input means the world to me, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and ideas in the comment section below the post.
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