Depending on where you're located around the world, you may be awaiting spring or summer to come barreling down on you as it does every year. The kids will want to go outside in the Backyard to play with their friends or the dogs or by themselves, but how do you make it safe for them so that emergency room visits do not ruin their summer or springtime fun?
With the proper discipline on your part, you can childproof your backyard pretty easy, as long as you know where to put and what to do with all the stuff that might be out there recently uncovered by the snow melting away.
The tips below will keep your backyard safe and pretty soon all the kids will be out there enjoying themselves with no worries about getting hurt.
Storing lawn and garden tools
Obviously, if you have a shed or garage, those are the most proper places to put all of your lawn and garden tools like lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, scythes, clippers, fertilizer, leaf blowers, and any other lawn a d garden implement you may have. An enclosed structure would be the best place to store them when they are not in use. It doesn't hurt to purchase a lock for the door just in case little fingers and hands get curious.
Not every household has such outdoor structures, so the next best idea is to block off a specific area of the yard, like the side of the house, to store them.
For storing them this way you will want to consider purchasing a tarp to throw over them so that they do not rust or get messed up by different weather patterns. In this case, you will have to instruct the kids to stay away from that area for safety purposes or they could get hurt.
Fill in holes
If your yard has holes throughout it due to rodents, or other reasons, you'll want to get those filled in as quickly as you can.
Much of the time when children are outside playing, they are running and not paying attention to what is under their feet. If they hit a hole while running or walking, they could end up with an injury that will require medical attention and then their summer could be ruined.
Holes in the yard are pretty easy to fill in, either by using sand or dirt and packing it in.
Or if you're feeling creative, put a planter over the spot where there may be a big hole, you won't need to fill it in and you'll get to plant pretty flowers or vegetables in it. Whichever idea you prefer, you'll rest easier knowing there is one less thing you have to worry about when protecting your child.
Grills and fire pits
Cooking outside is a popular activity all over the world. Having the ability to do so is great, but don't forget that it comes with responsibilities also. If you have an outdoor grill, storing it on the patio with a cover if over it will work just fine, then explain to the kids to stay away from the grill area, again for their safety and your peace of mind. For many individuals, this is a preferred way of cooking outside and there is nothing wrong with it as long as it is done safely.
The best childproofing tool you can have is to make sure you teach your child or children about the dangers that come with having a grill or a Fire Pit in the backyard. Teach them about how dangerous they can be when not used properly, and to always steer clear of them, because even if it looks like the fire is out there could be a hidden ember still burning hotly. Even with educating them, here are some other tips that could help an accident or catastrophe from happening.
- When building a fire pit, be sure to enclosed the pit with bricks, boulders, rocks, cement blocks, or a metal screen of some sort.
- Never have a fire burning within 10 feet of any yard structure. They have a tendency to burn hot, especially when cooking over an open fire.
- Do not use a high flame when burning, if it reaches above your head it's much too dangerous. Higher flamed fires should be reserved for bonfires at local events, not your backyard.
- Do not use gasoline as a fire starter, ever. There are several alternatives for fire starters that can either be homemade or purchased.
- Always keep a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit where they can be grabbed easily.
- Do not light a fire during windy conditions and always be sure check if there is a fire ban in your are due to weather conditions or drought conditions.
- Do not let any child light the fire.
- Be sure to keep anything that is flammable or can melt, away from the fire pit including toys, chairs, plastic items, aerosol sprays, and other non-fire retardant items.
Most people that have fire pits already know the safest ways to clean and maintain them, but it never hurts to refresh your memory.
With the proper knowledge, education, and understanding of owning a fire pit, your family and friends can enjoy sitting around the fire with good food, and great conversations that lead to fond memories which will last a lifetime. Additionally, when you educate your children properly about the rights and wrongs, you can rest assured of their safety when you do not have your eyes on them at all times.
There are several other ways to childproof your yard including the installation of fences and gates, but the few listed here will get you started on making your backyard the place where all of the kids want to play. While childproofing your backyard can seem like a daunting task at first--when it is done the right fewer accidents can happen and the kids can enjoy the freedom of playing in the backyard with their friends. Your pets will appreciate the efforts as well when they are running and romping around with the kids in the yard.
