Spring is here and you will hopefully be spending plenty of time outside. For many, the yard is the favorite spot of their home, a place to enjoy the weather, cook out, play fun games, and spend time with the family. It is important to make sure that this is a safe environment so that these great times aren’t interrupted by accidents or injuries. So let’s go over four common causes of accident or injury while spending time in your yard:
Playsets – Playsets can be fun for children of all ages, but some come with instructions to limit use based on age or weight. Be aware of these guidelines to avoid use by those that are too old or even multiple children using the same object at once. It is also important to check these playsets for damage or wear. Given that these often get a lot of use and are exposed to the elements, there is a potential for injury due to the object being worn or damaged.
Fire Pits – Proper use and supervision are crucial to enjoying a fire pit, a favorite of back yard lovers. For starters, make sure that the fire pit is a good distance from the home and clear of anything that might catch fire. Always require an adult to be present and never leave a fire unattended. Make sure to dispose of used coals in a metal container.
Lawn Mowers – The first key to lawn mower safety is knowing how to properly use the equipment. Read the manual and become familiar with any controls and any safety advice. Avoid mowing when anyone else is in the yard and make sure that all objects have been cleared from the ground. Never allow a child or any other individual to ride as a passenger on a riding mower made for one person. Lastly, always wear closed toed shoes and avoid putting hands or feet near the blade while the mower is running.
Trampolines – According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, trampolines are the cause of nearly 100,000 injuries every year. If you choose to have a trampoline in your yard, there are steps that you can take to decrease the risk of injury. Some of these steps include limiting the amount of people on the trampoline at once, requiring adult supervision, and removing ladders after entrance to the trampoline to avoid unsupervised children gaining access.
Contact us today if you have any questions or if you wish to go over your homeowners policy to see how these scenarios can affect you!