Safety in the Backyards

Safety in the Backyard

A Better Backyard

One place that you may never think to check for safety may actually be the most dangerous — your own backyard. Here are some hidden hazards to put on your radar:

	Don't place swing sets near drainage.
	Move swing sets away from fence and posts.
	Allow no more than one child on a trampoline at once.
	Hang rules on one side of the trampoline.
	Don't place grill in high-traffic areas.
	Make sure wooden decks are treated to avoid dangerous splinters.
	Secure loose bricks and decorative rocks.

Safe Swimming
The backyard pool can also pose serious danger. Here are some tips for safe swimming:

	Hang sign with pool rules and first aid/CPR instructions outside pool.
	Have a locked fence around your pool, even if your backyard has a fence around it.
	New pools should have two drains — to avoid strong suction from just one (powerful enough to cause serious injury to children.)
	New pools should have a cut-off switch on the pump — in case of drain emergency — have one put on an old pool pump.
	Paint around drains, a target or something similar, to make swimmers more aware of them.

From the show Summer Safety Reminders

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