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With warm weather comes yard preparation for the outdoor entertaining season. It’s the season for backyard entertaining by the pool or around the fire pit, enjoying time with friends and family. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and worry-free during the summer fun.
Lawn Mowers
Follow these tips to stay safe during your yard preparation:
- Read the manual thoroughly and learn all controls before operating.
- Clean up all objects from the yard to prevent malfunction and possible injuries.
- Keep children away from the mower, and don’t allow them to ride the mower as a passenger.
- Wear hearing and eye protection.
- Never leave a running lawn mower unattended.
Grills
Grills are commonly misused and can cause serious injuries. Abide by these grilling Dos and Don’ts to stay safe during the grilling season.
Do:
- Keep grill at least 10 feet away from all structures and overhangs.
- Regularly clean your grill to prevent unintended fires.
- Check for gas leaks often.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby while using the grill.
Don’t:
- Use the grill indoors.
- Turn the gas on while the grill is covered.
- Overload food on the grill.
- Leave the grill unattended while in use.
Fire Pits
A fire pit is a perfect way to enjoy cool nights and roast marshmallows with friends. Ensure your safety by:
- Making sure your fire pit is a safe distance (minimum of 10 feet) away from your home, deck, and any low-hanging tree branches.
- Placing the fire pit on a non-flammable surface.
- Clearing all flammable objects away from the pit before lighting it.
- Never leave the fire unattended and always supervise children.
- Using sand to fully extinguish the fire.
Garden Water Features
Water features such as fish ponds, fountains, and waterfalls add a calming touch to any yard, but they can be hazardous if proper precautions aren’t taken to make them safe. Children can drown in as little as two inches of water, making any water feature potentially unsafe.
Safety Tips:
- Make sure all wiring is buried underground or placed out of the way to prevent falls.
- Install a lockable cover or fence.
- Store water treatment and chemical mixtures in a closed container out of the reach of children.
- Always watch children while around water features.
Trampolines and Playsets
Make sure children stay safe while having fun by following safety tips and precautions.
Safety tips for trampolines:
- Install the trampoline in an open space clear of trees, fences, and walls.
- Make sure the trampoline positioned on the leveled ground.
- Limit the number of jumpers.
- Add a trampoline enclosure to prevent falls.
- Anchor the trampoline to the ground using an anchor kit.
- Supervise children at all times.
- Safety tips for playsets:
- Secure playset on sturdy, level ground.
- Add wood chips below the playset to cushion possible falls and prevent injuries.
- Regularly check for sturdiness and make repairs as necessary.
- Supervise children at all times.
