Spending time in the backyard with your friends or family should always be a joyous time. They provide families an opportunity for fresh air,
Establish Safety Rules
If you’ve ever been a parent, you know how much of a challenge it can be to keep your kids away from potentially dangerous situations. Babies are always putting objects into their mouths while toddlers or kids who are a little bit older and always running around getting their hands and faces dirty. It’s important to help your kids to understand that the rules you set in place and meant for their own safety.
Don’t chase, push, or wrestle while playing on slides, climbing walls, or swings.
Store your bikes, backpacks, and any other personal items away from play areas to avoid any potential tripping or falling.
Always wear close-toed shoes. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, or any other items that could potentially get caught in equipment.
Use equipment the way it is intended to be used. Do not stand stand on swings. Do not jump from high platforms. Do not walk up slides. In fact, when it comes to slides, be extra cautious, especially with slides made from metal as they tend to get extremely hot in the summer.
Stay clear of areas like the garage or shed as potentially dangerous tools are often stored here. Parents should always keep an eye on their children while they’re playing and should encourage them to always stay in sight.
Inspect Your Yard for Possible Hazards
Young kids are always testing their limits. Whether by themselves or through peer pressure from friends, kids may have a tendency to ignore certain signs or danger to be thought of as cool. Do your best to inspect your yard ahead of time to make sure there are no hazards that could hurt or injure your child.
Supervise children at all times
Kids should always have an adult supervising them as they play outside. If necessary, take rest breaks. Always remember to drink plenty of fluids and apply and re-apply sunscreen and insect repellant as needed.
Install a fence
Fences are great ways to ensure that you kids will stay in your yard. Of course, this isn’t to say that you should leave them unsupervised as they could jump over the fence. What is important is that you set clear boundaries with your children to help them understand where they can play and what areas are off limits. Another option is to fit your youngest children with GPS trackers just in case they wander off when you’re not looking.
Remove poisonous plants and flowers
Young kids tend to be unfamiliar with poisonous vegetation. Therefore, it’s probably best to remove these threats altogether. Before giving your kids permission to play in the backyard, do you due diligence and conduct a thorough inspection of your yard, being sure to remove any poisonous plants and/or flowers. If your child happens to ingest one of these plants or flowers, call the American Association of Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Improve the security in and around your pool
Drowning is the leading cause of death in children under four years of age; most of these tragedies occur in home swimming pools. In addition to your swimming pool, make sure your hot tub’s cover is securely fastened when it’s not being used.
Pool area doors should remain closed and locked when the pool is not being used. Always remember, no matter how many sensors or high-tech security gadgets you install, nothing beats having an adult supervising children as they play.
Use caution while grilling
Make sure that your grills are away from any play areas and always keep your kids away from the grilling area. Never leave a grill unattended. Once you’re finished grilling your delicious food, be sure to put away all items such as lighter fluid, matches, and propane.
Check play structures for signs of wear
Naturally, equipment wears over time. Be sure to periodically inspect your play sets and playground equipment for signs for wear. Obvious signs could be rotting wood, exposed bolts, damaged floor boards, or loose steps and railings. Repair these unsafe items before allowing your child to use them again.
Get rid of the trampoline
Although trampolines may seem like a lot of fun, they can be extremely dangerous if used improperly. Countless children have been injured while using trampolines—the majority of them suffering broken bones. Studies have shown that 75% of injuries related trampoline use have occurred when more than one person was using the trampoline at the same time. To ensure the safety of your children and their friends, do not allow this behavior. It is important to note that many homeowners insurance policies may not cover trampoline-related injuries.
In the event that an individual outside of your immediate family does suffer an injury while on your property, you may be at risk of a serious lawsuit. You may be held liable for such injuries. Because of this, it’s a good idea to get yourself a liability insurance policy to cover the cost of potential medical costs. Call our office to discuss a Personal Catastrophe Liability insurance policy with one of our experienced insurance professionals today!