Backyard safety tips
More and more, people are vacationing in their own backyards. If you have turned yours into a “staycation” hot spot, here are some safety tips to consider to help keep your oasis fun and free of danger.
The Pool
The pool can be a refreshing way to get some relief from the hot sun. But it can also be dangerous. Get your pool swim-ready by understanding some of the most common ways accidents occur, and then learning more about proper swimming pool safety and maintenance to help prevent them:
- Unsupervised access or swimming, either by lack of close supervision or by failing to properly secure the pool to prevent entry. As a pool owner, you are responsible for making sure that access is restricted and people cannot enter pool areas unattended.
- Injury by diving or jumping improperly, or from water around the pool or deck area that may cause someone to slip and fall.
- Defective or broken spa or swimming pool components. Drains are often a dangerous pool part that can cause circulation entrapment if not properly covered. Faulty pool equipment and old pool lighting can also cause electrical shock.
Prevent swimming pool accidents before they occur. Learn more about swimming pool safety.
The Grill
During warmer months, you might enjoy having a backyard barbecue. But according to the latest statistics from the National Fire Protection Association, gas and charcoal grills have been involved in an average of 8,800 home and outside fires per year. Some of the main causes of grilling fires are:
- Placing the grill too close to combustibles, such as siding or an overhang.
- Failure to keep the grill clean. Grease or fat buildup can catch and spread fire quickly.
- A leak or break in the grill’s gas hose.
- Leaving equipment unattended.
- Misuse of material or product, including using incorrect starter fluids.
Cook safely outdoors this summer by reading our grilling safety tips.
Trampolines
Trampolines can be fun for kids, but according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, they are the cause of nearly 100,000 injuries each year. Avoid being a statistic:
- Limit the number of jumpers to one at a time.
- Supervision is needed for children at all times.
- Remove trampoline ladders after use to prevent unsupervised access by young children.
- Anchor the trampoline and enclosure to the ground by using a trampoline anchor kit.
Playsets
Playsets can be enjoyed by children of all ages, but damaged or weather-worn playsets can cause accidents. Stay safe by:
- Supervising children.
- Regularly checking for sturdiness, rusty bolts and wood rot, and making necessary repairs.
- Ensuring playsets do not have openings between pieces that could trap a child’s head or neck.
- Placing playsets securely on level ground and on wood chips or other soft materials to cushion falls and help prevent injuries.
Fire Pits
Warm nights are the perfect time to roast marshmallows. But out-of-control fires can cause injury. Be smart:
- Place the fire pit in a safe spot away from your home, backyard deck or low-hanging tree branches.
- Always require adult supervision around the fire pit while it is in use and until it has cooled off.
- Never leave the fire unattended.
- Use sand to fully extinguish the fire.
- Let the coals cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container.
Lawn mowers
During the spring and summer months, lawn mowers can easily cause injury. Follow these tips for safety:
- Read the mower’s manual, heed safety and operating instructions and learn the controls.
- Do not allow children to ride as passengers on a lawn mower, and be sure to keep children out of the yard while mowing.
- Clean up toys and other objects, such as rocks, from the yard to help prevent injuries from flying objects.
- Never leave a running mower unattended.
- Never operate the mower in an enclosed place where carbon monoxide can accumulate.
- Never unclog or work on a lawn mower while the engine is on or when the spark plug is connected.
- Wear non-slip shoes (no open toes or heels), long pants and hearing and eye protection.
