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Keeping Kids Safe in the Backyard
Warm weather
means outdoor playtime for kids of all ages. And while parents usually
remember to be extra cautious at the beach or local park the backyard is often
forgotten
when it comes to safety checks. This can be a dangerous oversight.
Accidents can
happen anywhere but the backyard doesn't have to a hidden danger zone for
your family. Here are some tips on how to safety proof your back yard and head
off trouble
from the start.
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT - According to a report from health officials the
major
cause of deaths on playground equipment is strangulation and the majority of
these happen at home. Make sure your play equipment is safe.
·
Check nuts, bolts or anything that sticks out from swing sets or
other play
equipment. They can get loose or rusty over the winter. Tighten them up, cover
them to avoid scratches and cuts and do general maintenance come spring.
·
Make sure the ground is soft underneath. Plush grass or woodchips
is a good
choice.
·
Never allow loose clothing or drawstrings of any kind on your
children when
playing on swing sets, slides, etc. Cut off or remove drawstrings and tuck in
loose clothing. Make sure shoes are tied. Strings and loose clothes can get
caught and cause serious damage, such as strangulation.
·
No ropes on swing sets, playhouses or climbing toys. Same reason
as above.
It's too easy for a child to strangle himself accidentally.
·
Set ground rules and teach your children to obey them or else they
will not be
allowed to play on the equipment.
·
Trampolines are a big controversy. Cassie Pritchard, RN recommends
making
sure children know the rules. No more than two people on at a time, safety
nets and never let children play unsupervised on them will prevent broken
bones and head injuries that are common in the emergency room
SWIMMING
POOLS - Most water related deaths occur in less then four feet
of water. But accidents in the pool can be avoided with some basic rules.
- Take a
swimming class with your children but never let swimming classes replace
supervision. Good swimmers drown.
- Make
sure someone supervising the children knows basic first aid and CPR.
- Set and
enforce strict pool rules such as: no running, no diving, etc. Post a list of
rules near the pool area.
- Make
sure you have the proper life saving equipment poolside. Keep a pole
(shepherd's hook) and ring buoy with rope by the pool at all times. Know how
to
use each effectively, and make sure to you put the equipment back in the same
place each time you use them
- Keep a
first aid kit handy.
- Keep a
cordless phone or cell phone and a list of important phone numbers nearby
in case of emergencies List the address of the pool residence, should someone
other
than the homeowner need to make the emergency phone call.
- Put up
barriers that make it hard to access the pool. Use multiple layers of
protection to prevent drowning, such as a fence around the pool with a
self-latching, self-closing gate, as
well as a pool alarm. Lock the pool when not in use.
- Use life
jackets and approved PDF devices. Arm floaties, inflatable rings and pool
noodles won't keep your child from drowning.
- And most
important, SUPERVISE all swimming. Never let children swim unattended.
An adult needs to be present at all times and paying close attention.
- Rafts,
inner tubes, water toys, and mats should be kept in boxes that have rounded
edges on them.
LAWN
CARE - Maintaining your lawn may make it look great but it can hide
health problems for your kids.
- Know
when your lawn is being treated and how. Ask the company how long the
children should stay off the grass. Have them flag the areas they spray or
treat if you
are not at home when they come.
- Find out
if a non-toxic treatment is available.
- Keep
your yard clutter free. Don't leave yard tools like rakes and shovels out
where
they can be tripped over. Make children put away balls, skates and bikes
when
finished.
- If you
have very young children be careful of what you plant in your flowerbeds.
Daffodils and other plants can be deadly if eaten. Teach toddlers never to eat
anything without your permission.
- Know
what poison ivy, oak and sumac look like. Some children have a nasty
reaction to these. With a few precautions time spent in your own backyard can
be
safe, fun and worry free.
Copyright
Belinda J. Mooney
Sources:
Children’s Memorial Hospital
contact: Chris James
Senior Associate, Public Affairs & Communications
Children's Memorial Hospital
Chicago, Illinois
Heather Neumeister
Communications Specialist
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network
MetLife Auto & Home Insurance
Contact: Ted Mitchell
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Cassie Pritchard RN
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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