It's important to understand some basic home safety tips. You probably think of your back yard as a haven from the stresses and dangers of the world. It's a place to relax, barbecue a couple of steaks, do a little gardening and perhaps watch the birds and butterflies. But is it a safe place for your child or grandchild? Is it a safe place for your neighbor's child? A backyard accident could plunge you into emotional despair and financial ruin.
A periodic safety inspection of your backyard could save you and your loved ones a lot of grief. Here's what to look for.
Play Equipment
Figures from the Consumer Product Safety Commission reveal that more than 200,000 children are injured each year on playground equipment. Most of those injuries could have been prevented by adult supervision and proper installation of equipment. If you have a swing set or other equipment, make sure that it is properly installed and maintained. Swing sets should be at least six feet from fences and buildings. They should also be anchored securely below ground to prevent them from tipping over. The surface underneath swings or climbing equipment should be sand or other soft material. Check equipment every month for cracks, rusting, sharp edges or other hazards.
Lawn Mowers
Children should remain inside while the lawn is being mowed. Stones, glass, twigs and wire can become dangerous projectiles as they come flying off a whirling mower blade. You should also store the mower where children cannot play with it.
Tools and Chemicals
If you have young children, you probably have a lock on your chemical and medicine cabinets. The same precautions need to be taken when it comes to outside storage of gardening tools and chemicals. Fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides are all poisonous to young children. The same applies to automotive tools and chemicals.You may not think of these as dangerous, but it's wise to keep them out of reach.
Barbecue Supplies
Children should not be allowed near a barbecue grill while it is heated. Remind children of the dangers and keep lighter fluid and briquettes out of reach. Store propane tanks safely.
Poisonous Plants
It is good to know what plants might pop up in your landscape and to make sure that they are not poisonous if ingested or touched by children. The same precautions should be taken with every plant you add to your landscape. Make sure you know what poison oak or ivy looks like. Some other common plants with poisonous parts include azalea, caladium, daffodil, hyacinth, oleander, spider lily and sweet pea. Preschoolers are especially prone to tasting almost anything, so you may need to remove hazardous plants or erect a fence to keep your child from danger.
Trees
Small children love to climb trees, but you need to make sure your trees are as safe as possible. You should trim the lower limbs of any tree you don't want them to climb and check all others for cracked or damaged limbs. Make sure there are no power lines near a climbing tree and no hazards, such as fences, patios or garbage cans, beneath it.
Insects
There may not be much you can do to keep insects out of your yard, but be on the lookout for wasps, bees, mosquitoes and ticks. Make sure your children are protected by repellent when necessary and show them areas of the yard they should avoid. If you live in a rural area, make sure your children are checked daily for ticks. Remember that even small bodies of standing water are invitations for mosquitoes to breed.
Water
Parents are often diligent about pool safety but overlook the danger of fish ponds and other decorative containers of water. Even a mop bucket or garbage can poses a drowning hazard for a toddler, so check your yard carefully for standing water. Recheck after heavy rains.
Details
Check your yard for holes, broken concrete, splintered fence boards, loose nails and trash.
Remember to keep your child's age and activity level in mind when checking your yard. If your child is very small, try to get down on his level and check things out.
An active child needs uncluttered space to run and jump. An inquisitive child needs a safe environment to explore. If you frequently assess the safety of your backyard, it will truly be a safe haven from the stresses and the dangers of the world.
 | Those child safety measures that worked for your baby and toddler need to be adapted as your child grows. Older kids are motivated and willing to take risks to explore, so you need to keep hazardous items locked away and set down firm rules to prevent accidents. |
 | Before you let your kids run amok on your backyard playground, you need to make sure the backyard is a safe and appropriate place to play. So get out outside before your kids do, and go through this safety checklist. |
 | Check out these baby safety products for your baby's safety. By taking a few safety precautions, you can help prevent accidents and guarantee a safe environment. |
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