With spring in full swing and summer just around the corner, there’s no better time to be outdoors, whether you’re dining, entertaining, relaxing—or all three. And chances are, you’ve got a host of family and friends out with you basking in the warm weather. But is your outdoor living space suited for guests of all ages? Even the most mundane items can potentially be safety hazards for little ones, so it’s best to take precautions to ensure a safe, enjoyable summer for everyone.
If you haven’t childproofed your yard yet, now is the perfect time. Walk around your backyard and make note of potential dangers. Corral all tools and garden, lawn, and automotive equipment in a locked storage shed. Get started with these ideas from Security World. And also pay attention to these specific elements common to most yards:
Surfaces. Make sure to provide an open, soft playing surface like grass for kids. You can also purchase impact-absorbing solid surfacing tiles or sheets made of rubber or synthetic compounds to cover expanses of hard surfaces such as concrete. Or place a layer of mulch, sand, or other soft materials under play equipment to cushion falls. A 9- to 12-inch layer is best.
Water features. Surround the area around pools, spas, and hot tubs with a secure, locked fence. As a general rule, these fences should be at least 4 to 5 feet high and have no gaps. And cover the water feature when it’s not in use—motorized pool covers do the trick. Learn more about protecting your pool.
Garden. It makes sense to get rid of poisonous plants and plants with sharp spines or thorns. But that doesn’t mean you still can’t have fun with gardening—I used to love wandering around the garden with my mother, as she pointed out all different plant varieties and let me touch and smell them. Plant fun varieties such as snapdragons, sunflowers, and lamb’s ear, which are kid-safe and beautiful. Also try butterfly gardens or gardens with themes, such as a pizza garden. Here’s how to plant a child-friendly garden. And check out these plant varieties, which are fun to touch.
Play structures. Swing sets and play areas entertain kids for hours, but it’s essential that they’re sturdy and safe. Regularly inspect the equipment for loose bolts, cracks, sharp edges, and other warning signs. The University of Michigan Health System explains more safety tips for playground and outdoor structures.
Decks. Decks are ripe with outdoor living opportunities—just keep a few things in mind. If your deck is more than 24 inches off the ground, you’ll probably need a railing system. Guardrails should be at least 36 inches high above the deck surface. And make sure the space between railing posts is no more than 4 inches apart so a small child’s head can’t get stuck. If you’ve got a multilevel deck with a long or steep stairway, be sure to install safety gates to prevent spills. For more specific information, check your local building codes.
Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All
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