Sometimes the most dangerous place for a child to play is in their own backyard. Many parents like to believe that their backyard is a safe haven.
Without close inspection, it might not be. So before you turn the children loose in the backyard, here are some things to check on.
Fencing and Gates; Look to see if there is jagged or sharp fencing that is loose. Check the gate. Does it close securely? You don’t want children slipping out on you.
Compost Area; Is a great place for Yellow Jackets and hornets to hang out. They love the heat that compost generates.
Rose and Sticker Bushes; Try to keep these pruned. They can cause splinters and injuries to small children. You can also use wagon wheels or Rose Bush lattices to hold up the limbs.
Sand Pits; Many individuals like to use old truck and tractor tires for sand pits. Insects like to build nests in these areas. Speaking of sand pits, use regular sand instead of white sand. It doesn’t get as hot.
Water areas; Are great places for mosquito’s to breed. Keep them drained or filled in.
Yard tools and games; Horse shoe pegs left in the ground can be a major issue for children. All yard tools need to be put in their proper place. Nothing should be left out.
Pets; Some animals are good around children and some aren’t. You need to know your pets well enough to know what they are capable of. On hot days, let Rover sleep in the coolness of the basement, while the children play in the yard.
Garage and Shed Doors; These should be locked so that children can’t get in. Children are curious and will want to explore new territory. If you don’t want them in a place, keep it secured.
Riding Mowers; If these must be left out, keep the keys out of them. You might also want to think about disconnecting the battery. Once again, little children want to play on things.
Play Ground Sets; These are great but, have them placed in a shady area and on grass. Metal can get very hot and cause burns.
Working Power tools and machines; Never mow grass or cut wood when children are around. Do these things when children are away or inside. Many times parents like to take children for a ride while they mow grass. This is unwise. Chips can hurt eyes and skin. Sound can hurt ears.
Always keep one simple thing in mind. If a backyard is suppose to be a play ground area. Keep it as that while they are there. The last thing you want is an accident or injury.
