Guidelines to keep your backyard safe this summer
By Janel McNair, Acting Disease Prevention and Response Division Director, El Paso County Public Health
With summer season upon us and warm weather activities getting started, now is a good time for homeowners to check their outdoor areas for potential safety hazards and prepare for safe summer activities. Proper inspections and maintenance can ensure that you keep your family, friends and neighbors injury-free. Here are some tips that cover yard care, outdoor structure safety, lawn mowers/power tools, swimming pools and food safety while grilling.
Some general guidelines for yard care include the following:
- Maintain even surfaces.
- Check for newly formed holes and fill them.
- Mow your grass.
- Tamp down molehills and other soft spots.
- Make sure paving stones are flat and free of defect that could cause tripping or slipping.
- Ensure the ground underneath tall grass is even.
Outdoor structure safety:
Coat your deck or patio with lumber sealer (for wood) or masonry sealer (for stone) on a regular basis.
Make sure wood and metal supports are strong and not rotting or rusting.
Ensure play sets, such as swings and slides, are sturdy and secure.
Check play sets for insect nests.
Check all swings, slides, playhouses and other structures for sharp objects, rusty metal pieces, breaks or weakened support pieces.
Lawn mowers and power tools can be dangerous if care is not taken. Take the following precautions:
Always wear appropriate clothing and shoes when mowing the lawn or using power tools.
Keep pets and young children away from your work area.
Turn off and unplug tools.
Do not remove safety guards.
Make sure there are no rocks or debris in the area you are mowing.
Secure sheds where mowers and tools are stored.
If you are lucky enough to have a swimming pool in your backyard, whether in-ground or above-ground, you should follow these safety measures:
- Install a fence around the pool area that is at least 4-feet-tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
- Never leave children unattended in or around the pool; designate someone to watch swimmers any time someone is in the pool.
- Ensure all pool drains and covers are in good working order and free from obstruction.
- Keep essential safety equipment like life rings, throwing ropes and rescue hooks readily available.
- Regularly inspect the pool and surrounding area for any signs of wear and tear, including checking for leaks, cracks or damage.
- Use a cover for the pool when not in use.
Cooking and dining outdoors is a favorite summer activity for many people. The tips below include safe grilling techniques and proper food preparation.
Grilling tips:
Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
Choose a safe location for your grill. Place it well away from the home, deck railings, and away from eaves and overhanging branches. Never use a grill in a garage, vehicle, tent or other enclosed space.
Keep children and pets at least 3-feet away from the grilling area.
Never leave your grill unattended when in use.
Food preparation tips:
- Separate: Use one plate for raw meats, poultry or seafood and a clean plate for cooked meats. Use different cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked items.
- Cook thoroughly: Use a food thermometer to make sure your food is cooked to a safe temperature.
- Chill quickly: Don’t leave your food out too long. Refrigerate any leftovers promptly in shallow containers for quicker cooling. Discard any food left out more than two hours (one hour if the temperature outside is above 90°F/ 32°C).
- Marinate safely: Marinate food in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
- Reheat properly: When reheating previously cooked meats like hot dogs or hamburgers, heat to 165°F (74°C).
- Keep it cold, keep it hot: Use coolers with ice or frozen gel packs to keep cold foods at or below 40°F. Use insulated containers to keep hot foods at or above 140°F.
Miscellaneous safety tips:
- Do not leave fire pits or outdoor fireplaces unattended.
- Keep and store pesticides out of reach of children and pets and look for nontoxic brands.
- Regularly examine your trees for signs of decay and remove any weak tree branches.
- Keep children and pets away from hot tubs, ponds and outdoor fountains.
We encourage you to implement these guidelines all year long so you can enjoy a healthy and safe backyard!
