We care about you and your family’s safety. As the
weather warms up and you head outside, it’s important to anticipate any
potential safety hazards or accidents that could happen during playtime. Each
year, hospital emergency physicians treat more than 200,000 children for
playground-related injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC). Many of the injuries occur when a child falls from the
equipment onto the ground. Here are some tips to keep your children – and their
friends – safe on your home playground:
Create a play space
Before you install your playground, make sure you measure
out an entire play space. It’s recommended to have a six-foot radius
surrounding the play area in all directions. If your playground has swings, experts
suggest that the surface extends in the front and back. Typically, twice the
height of the suspending bar. Make sure your play space has any tripping
hazards removed, too. Tree stumps, large rocks or uneven ground can all be
dangerous for little feet.
Proper installation
Read the directions and have the tools necessary to complete
the job. For large or more complex
playgrounds, you may want to consider hiring a professional installer.
Additionally, make sure the equipment is anchored to the ground to keep it from
tipping over while in use.
Shock-absorbing surface
One of the most important pieces of your playground isn’t
even a part of the structure—it’s what you have on the ground. Installing and
maintaining a shock-absorbing surface (mulch, wood chips or shredded rubber)
around the playground equipment is a must.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends using at least nine inches
of material around a playground up to seven feet high. Sand or pea gravel is
recommended for playgrounds up to five feet high. It’s also important to replenish the base each
year.
Check the hardware
Look for open “S” hooks, protruding bolt ends or sharp
points. Make sure they are covered properly or removed.
Check for hazards
Platforms, walkways and ramps need guardrails. Platforms
shouldn’t be higher than six feet for school-aged children and no higher than
four feet for preschoolers. Ropes, jump ropes and leashes should never be
attached to any area of the equipment.
Maintenance
A few times per month, it’s important to do a once over
on the playground. Making sure the nuts and bolts are tightened as needed, make
sure protective caps are still in place and keep an eye out for wear and tear
as the structure gets older. It’s also important to take care of the area
surrounding the structure. Make sure you
rake the surface regularly to prevent compaction.
Some of the best memories are created in your own
backyard. Make sure your family is safe and has the proper protection.
Contact an Erie Insurance Agent to make sure you have the homeowners coverage
you and your active family need.
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