July 28, 2008
The yard is a wonderful place for your children to play. However, there can be an infinite amount of hazards and danger if you don’t pay attention and take precaution. This is a short checklist to get you thinking about how to keep your kids safe when playing outdoors around your home.
Child Safety for the Outdoors
- I routinely walk our property and where children play looking for broken glass or other potential dangers.
- Designated play areas are separated from the driveway and the road by a fence.
- The lawn is routinely mowed so any objects or toys are visible and children are less likely to trip and fall.
- I know the types and names of plants and flora on my property and I have verified they are not poisonous or toxic.
- All patio and property fences and barriers are safe and secure. My child’s head, limbs, or body can not get stuck in the rails.
- Dangerous areas such as drop-offs, cliffs, or thorn patches are safely fenced off.
- Water hazards such as lakes, ponds, creeks, or rivers are sealed off by fencing and children require my strict supervision to be near them.
- Small areas where water can accumulate have been filled.
- All sources of stagnant water such as old car tires and baby pools have been stored or removed to prevent mosquitos and West Nile Virus.
- Soft ground cover surrounds all play equipment.
- All play equipment and structures are periodically inspected for sharp and portruding hardware. Any dangers found are cut off, grinded, sanded, or covered.
- Firewood piles are stored away from play areas and children are never allowed to climb on them or play near them.
- Children are never allowed to play on patio or lawn furniture.
- All lawn and garden tools including mowers are stored securely in a shed, closet, or garage.
- Small children never play in the lawn when it is being mowed.
- Children do not play on the lawn until 48 hours after it has been treated with chemicals, fertilizers, or pesticides.
- All grills and propane are stored where children can not access them.
