Child Safety Tips for Playing Outdoors
One summer day, Jack and Janet, brother and sister, were happily playing soccer in their front yard. Then Jack accidentally kicked the ball wide. It shot past Janet, into the street. Janet ran through the yard and across the sidewalk, to retrieve the ball that bounced towards the opposite sidewalk. Thank goodness Janet remembered to look left and right before crossing the street. She stopped at the curb when suddenly, ZOOM! A car bolted by, missing her by inches. Jack’s and Janet’s parents soon petitioned the local government to post children at play signs in the area. They were installed within a month, to help protect children at play.
What makes the ‘great outdoors’ so great? The fresh air is great. The plants and animals are great. The sense of freedom is great. Even children at play can enjoy the great outdoors, but several measures, such as children at play signs can help to guarantee their safety.
Dangers to children at play outdoors can exist right outside a home’s front or back door. On porches, balconies, and decks, railing slats should be close enough to prevent children from getting their head caught, or from them sliding through. Exits and stairs should be blocked off, to prevent falls. Next, when children play in the front or back yards, limit their play regions outdoors, and fence it in, if possible. Additionally, children should only ride toys in safe areas such as sidewalks, and under no circumstances in the street. Children at play signs can further protect kid “drivers” from adult drivers.
In addition to areas directly around the house, child safety should also be maintained in other locations. Inspect your child’s playground equipment to ensure that repairs are not required. Furthermore, place wood chips, mulch, or sand underneath swing sets. Next, when at the pool, never leave a child unattended near water. Keep toys, chairs, and tables far from the pool. Also, permanent pools can be fenced in, and gates with automatic locks and high latches can be installed to protect children at play. Mastering CPR could also be useful, to prepare for any emergencies at the pool. Lastly, outside the pool near the street, children at play signs could be posted as well.
While we might expect man made objects and places to present dangers to children at play, ironically, plants and plant-related materials can also create safety hazards for kids. Read literature to learn about which plants are poisonous. In the case that your child eats a poisonous plant, remove the bits from his mouth and then contact a poison control center, to get additional guidance. Next, keep pesticides and fertilizers stored in safe locations, and keep children away when these products are being used. Furthermore, keep lawnmowers and other garden and lawn equipment locked away in a shed. Finally, keep playing children at a distance when using these tools.
Children at play, like adults, enjoy all the benefits that the great outdoors has to offer. However, taking particular safety precautions, such as installing children at play signs, will ensure that the area remains great for them.
