If you have the yard that all the neighborhood children flock to, you must be sure to keep it in tip-top shape. You want to ensure that your kids as well as the neighborhood kids can have fun without any unexpected injuries occurring.
With school letting out soon and summer right around the corner, now is your chance to make any needed changes for safety and fun.
Invest in a Shed
Choose a small shed for storing your lawn equipment. Mowers, clippers and heavy pots can spell danger for children who may be curious about them and wish to explore. Be sure to secure your shed with a sturdy lock.
Use Plenty of Fencing
Fencing will keep young children in your yard so that you do not have to watch them with an eagle eye. Plus, a sturdy fence (and a customized yard sign) will keep kids out of your yard when you are not at home, keeping both your home as well as those children safe.
Remember that people who get injured in your yard can sue you. In these cases, be sure to hire a personal injury lawyer who can help you avoid a lawsuit.
Beware of the Pool
Backyard pools can cause unintentional drownings in a matter of minutes. If you have an in-ground pool, be sure that it is surrounded with a fence or that it has an alarm on it to notify you if the water is stirred. If you are thinking of installing a pool, choose an above-ground option, which is much harder for children to fall into unintentionally.
Use Age-Appropriate Playground Equipment
You can know that your yard will be the most popular if you are the neighbor with the fun playground. Be sure that your playground equipment is securely fastened into the ground per the manufacturer’s instructions and that the ground beneath is covered in a cushioning material to eliminate painful falls.
Choosing safe playground equipment can help you avoid liability for costly personal injury lawsuits.
Exterminate Insects
A fire ants nest, a tick bite or a bee sting can ruin a fun day in the yard. For minor insect infestations, you can spray your yard yourself, making sure to keep kids off the grass as it dries.
However, for major problems, call in professionals who will be able to eliminate insect nests and destroy irritating and dangerous insects at their sources.
Get Rid of Poisonous Plants
While you should already know to take care of poison ivy or poison oak that grows in your yard, watch out for seemingly innocuous plants that may be in your landscaping that are poisonous if ingested.
Some common culprits include morning glories, boxwood and crocus. Instead, choose kid-friendly options, such as daisies.
By creating a safe play area in your yard, you will feel comfortable letting your children out to play, and neighborhood parents will feel safe letting their children play in your yard for the day.
Remember, though, that no matter how safe you make your yard, you are still the best security option. Be sure to keep a close eye on any children who are playing in your yard, and make sure that you know their parents as well.
