Playing outside is a great way for kids to exercise, learn and have fun however backyards can be full of potential dangers for little explorers. As much as we love seeing our kids out in the fresh air it’s important, we do as much as we can to provide a safe space for them to play.

Sometimes yard hazards can be caused by nature such as large sharp tree branches, or ground holes caused from erosion, storms, and wet weather. Gardens can also be full of prickly thorns, poisonous weeds, or ants and insects who can cause painful bites or stings.

If you have swing sets, tree houses, or any other backyard fun devices, be sure to check for rusting or sharp edges that can injure the kids

BACKYARD SAFETY CHECKS

• Check porch and wooden steps for loose boards or exposed nails.
• Inspect all backyard play or pool equipment for cracking, chipping and loose screws
• Place yard equipment, tools, weed sprays or hazardous liquids in a garage or secured garden shed with a child-proof lock
• Check the yard for any bugs, insects, or poisonous plants that can be harmful to kids. 
• If your lawn has been treated with pesticides or fertilizer, do not let children play on it for at least 48 hours.
• Clean outdoor furniture regularly to keep pesky bugs and insects from building nests or homes amongst them.
• Always supervise your kids while they are playing in the yard.

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN BACKYARD SAFETY RULES

Establishing a set of well-known rules for backyard play can help your children learn to take responsibility for not just their own safety but visiting friends also. Your kids’ friends should also be aware of the house rules especially when there are younger siblings or babies who may also be using the space.

Ensure your rules reflect the safety hazards that can be found in your yard. For example, if you have a trampoline, you should put rules in place to educate and alert your kids about the dangers of the trampoline such as the springs, and what behavior is expected when playing on it alone and with others. Small children are especially susceptible to danger when multiple people jump on a trampoline with about 15% of trampoline injuries happening to children under the age of 6. If you have toddlers or small children, it may be safer to keep them off the trampoline if multiple children are wanting to use the equipment. 

Setting age limits for some of your backyard play items such as trampolines is a great way to keep your toddler or baby safe within the home environment. 

Kids’ Playtime Safety Checklist

• No rough playing. Kids should not chase, shove, or kick when playing outside.
• Be careful with play equipment. Do not jump off high swings or platforms or run up slides. No standing while swinging or climbing anything that is not meant to be climbed.
• Remember where your things belong. Be sure to put your bikes away in the place they belong. Put all personal items away before beginning play.
• Wear the right play shoes. Be sure to put on sneakers with good grip. Always choose closed-toe shoes when playing.
• Maintain an ‘Off Limits’ rule for garden sheds or the garage. Kids should not be allowed anywhere that may store hazardous or harmful materials.

POOLS & HOT TUBS

More than 1,000 children die from drownings every year and 80% of those have occurred in a residential or home pool according to the National Safety Council. Backyard drowning is the number one cause of fatalities in children under 5 years old so establishing pool safety is a must for the protection of your baby and toddler and part of your home safety checklist.

Consider purchasing a strong child-proof pool gate. Nationwide’s Children Hospital note that more than half of child drownings could have been prevented if parents put up a 4-sided fence around the pool.

Installing a pool gate is an important child safety tip for parents and depending on the size and shape of your pool, you may want to invest in installing an outdoor retractable gate as well for added security.

Pool & hot tub safety tips.

• The pool fence should be at least 4 feet high and have a gate that closes and latches on its own.
• Keep all doors and gates leading to the pool area locked
• Hot tubs should be covered with a hard cover and locked when not in use.
• Keep a phone by the pool in case of emergencies.
• Place baby proof safety items such as barriers, gates, and blockades before the pool area.
• Keep the pool area dry and free of all sharp objects.
• Children should only use the pool if an adult is watching them carefully. This means the adult is close enough to touch them and is not distracted by reading or talking.

CREATE CHILD AND PET SAFE SPACES

A back yard can have many areas that may not be considered safe for little ones to play near or in. A baby safety gate is a great way to secure areas and should be on the top of your home safety inspection checklist. Child safety gates are not just for indoor use anymore, if you have excitable, or even nervous pets, a safety barrier is a perfect way to allow both children and visiting guests to enjoy the outdoor space without “Rover” jumping up on them and knocking little ones over.

There are a variety of options and styles available in baby gates these days and can accommodate a multitude of uses both inside and outside. Retractable child and baby gates are a great investment for your child’s safety and perfect for use outdoors. Retractable gates include tools for easy installation as well as self-closing and self-latch-able features. Here is a list of some of the benefits of a retractable gate.

• Comes with child-proof easy-open features that are easy to use.
• Low aesthetic impact on your home’s design
• Provides freedom to play and keeps children within their safe outdoor space.
• Prevents fatal accidents by stopping kids from entering unsafe areas.
• Great for use with keeping children and pets separate
• Create blockade from unexpected hazards such as fallen branches or holes
• Available in taller sizes for when your kid grows

GRILL AND FIRE PIT SAFETY

The Summertime is for family cookouts and grilling. A misstep or play near fire hazards can lead to an unfortunate trip to the hospital. Take steps to prevent accidents and use these tips for fire safety.

Grill Safety Checklist

• Always have an adult supervising babies and children when the grill is on
• Never leave the grill unattended by an adult.
• Remove all flammable items from the vicinity.
• Ensure fire safety items available close by such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets.
• Install a fire barrier.
• Keep the grill at least 10 feet away from other objects, including the house and bushes.
• Never use the grill inside or in the garage.
• Store propane tanks in the garage, not in the house

Perma Child Safety values the importance of your kids’ safety so follow these top tips and ensure a safe and fun space is had for all to enjoy. Our child-safety gates and barriers are made from durable, high-quality materials that will last you for many years to come while protecting you and your family from home hazards.