15 Things in Your Backyard That Are Hazardous to Your Kids
This post may contain affiliate links.
The backyard is typically a playground for family recreation and other activities, but there in lurk potential hidden risks to kids. The safety of young children also means being attentive to potential hazards involving everyday and naturally found objects and substances.
This guide is designed to raise parent’s awareness of 15 commonly overlooked backyard dangers.
Playground Equipment
Playground equipment is another top cause of backyard injuries to children. A swing, a slide or climbers may appear to be safe equipment for children but if not developed well, they are actual risks for children. All equipment must be inspected quite often for signs of excessive use, sharp objects, loose screws/bolts and secure foundation/fixtures.
Poisonous Plants
Most plants are attractive to have around the backyard, however, some are poisonous if consumed by children. One should always take time to identify some of the flowers he/she has planted in the compound or if you have young children avoid planting those toxic plants or even if planted they should be put at higher places where the children cannot reach. Some examples of poisonous plants include; lily of the valley, rhododendrons, and oleander.
Insect Bites and Stings
Some of the pests that are familiar to any individual consist of bees, wasp and even mosquitoes which are common to every backyard. Although many species are completely harmless and their bites or stings are painless, their bites might lead to an allergic reaction or pass a disease.
Garden Tools
Gardening is one of the most favorite activities of adults and can be dangerous for kids if they are left alone with it. For children safety, any equipment with a sharp edge such as pruning shears or hedge trimmers should never be left near the playing fields but should be locked away, or when left out for use, should have their blades covered.
Fire Pits
Fire pits are great additions for people, backyard fire pits are useful in the course of friendly meetings with friends or relatives, however the creation of such elements is dangerous for children. It is also important to have a barrier around the pit to avoid accidents of being burned.
Barbecue Grills
Like fire pits, barbecue grills are also very dangerous if not well controlled or even when left unattended. Do not allow children to go near hot grills. Grills should also be cleaned and maintained often in a bid to avoid accidents resulting from faulty equipment.
Pools and Water Features
Pools and other installation of water features, including the ponds or fountains are common danger source for children. According to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, aquatic-related deaths are one of the most frequent causes of death for children, and 75% of the cases happen in home swimming pools. For your child safety, provide fencing for all water bodies and locking of these structures when not in use. In addition, seek to take your child for swimming classes to enable him or her learn swimming as well as how to act around water.
Stagnant Water
Containers of any type where water could accumulate such as birdbaths, buckets or other shall be emptied or ought to be protected by a lid. Pool of water usually fosters mosquito and other causative insect breeding thus resulting to bites and stings. Another vital step involves inspecting your backyard after rainfall looking for any traces of water that should be drained out.
Toxic Chemicals
According to Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials, most cleaning materials found at home include poisonous ingredients that cause harm if swallowed or applied on children’s skin. Store these products in a locked cupboard and do not use them for cleaning or gardening; use safe natural substances instead.
Sharp Objects
Numerous incongruent objects such as sharp mediators like broken glass, rusty nails and spoilt tools may be hidden in the backyard and may bring potential harm to the children at play. Always check your yard for things that could be dangerous to your children and ensure you eliminate them.
Wild Animals
It’s always fascinating to find out which animal’s habitat is in the backyard of your house, still, some of them are rather unsafe if they feel threatened. Children should be told not to go near wild animals, and they should be closely watched whenever they are outside playing. If your locality is infested with pests such as snakes or coyotes to name but a few, it will be wise to consult an expert to put a fence around your compound.
Sun Exposure
It is good for kids to play outside to be able to have time in the sun and take some Vitamin D but as parents we know how soft children skin is and how susceptible they are to sunburns. Ensure you take your child out with sunscreen of at least 30SPF and ensure the sunscreen is reapplied when your child is playing outside after two hours. You can also give them protective gears such as aprons, caps and face shields, and eyeglasses.
Allergens
Beech pollen, grass, and many other allergens may make children have severe allergic reactions. Watch your child for worsening or prolonged symptoms and talk to a doctor if needed. Outside space should also be clean and tidy and free from causes of allergies: the lawn should be cut, the grass should be cleared of threats.
Extreme Weather
Conditions including hot, sunny and stormy days. Please be sure to check the weather and take your child inside if the weather turns bad.
Strangers
Sometimes when children are at schools or in the yard, there are people passing by, or neighbors whose acquaintance children do not have. Like any other aspect, they should be taught how to identify strangers and what they should do in situations that make them feel uncomfortable.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make
15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make Your Home Look Bad