5 Ways to Make Your Backyard a Safer Place to Play

a deck with a pool and a deck with a deck and trees

Now that spring is finally here, kids are going to be spending more time outside. And while getting some fresh air and exercise is always great, it’s important to make sure your kids have a safe space to play in. So, if you want to provide a safe outside place for your children to enjoy, here are a few important tips to keep in mind.

Remove tripping hazards

It’s not uncommon for kids to trip and fall while running around outside — but even a slight trip can result in serious injuries. This is why it can be beneficial to check for tripping hazards. Tree roots and stumps, vines, rocks, and other stray debris can all be tripping hazards. Take a walk around your outdoor area and remove any potential tripping hazards, even if it’s random toys that were left out or twigs and pine cones. Checking for hazards regularly will reduce the risk of injury.

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Invest in a pool fence

If you have a swimming pool in your backyard, having a pool fence is essential. Prioritizing safety in and around the pool area can significantly decrease the risk of injury or drowning incidents. A pool safety fence will ensure no one around the swimming pool can accidentally fall in. As a pool owner, it’s your responsibility to research fences for swimming pools and invest in one that will keep the pool area secure. Whether you have an in-ground pool or an above-ground pool, having a pool safety fence will help protect not only your family, but anyone who may be in your yard, too.

Focus on pest control

Pests, like spiders, ants, and mosquitos, can be more than just annoying — they can be potentially harmful to your children. Bites from mosquitos or a sting from a wasp can be dangerous and it’s crucial to ensure your yard is free from injurious insects and rodents. Having a qualified pest control technician remove pests from your yard is the best thing you can do for the safety of your children — investing in the right residential pest control services can give you peace of mind when it comes to allowing your children to play in the yard freely.

Have proper lighting

When the weather is still warm at night, there’s a good chance your kids will still want to play outside in the evenings. But if your kids are going to be in the yard at night, you need to have proper lighting. Running around and playing in a dark yard can easily result in someone falling and getting hurt — even just walking around in a poorly lit yard can be risky. You can invest in solar lights that can be set to a timer, or whichever type of lighting is right for your specific needs. So, whether you’re hanging out in the hot tub as a family or your kids are playing a late-night game of “Ghost in the Graveyard,” having a properly lit yard will keep everyone safe.

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Inspect play equipment and toys

Having play equipment, like a swing set or other outdoor toys, can be a great way to keep your kids busy outside. But it’s important to regularly inspect this equipment and other toys to ensure they’re still safe — swing sets can get loose bolts and toys can break, so you need to check for dangers every now and then. Even if you have something like a wooden fence in your yard, you should inspect that for damage that could lead to splinters. It’s crucial to make sure play equipment and other objects in your yard are in good working condition.

Encouraging your kids to get outside and play is important, and so is making sure your backyard is safe. So, keep these simple tips in mind to ensure your children have a danger-free yard to enjoy.